For plating processes that rely on specific temperature thresholds (such as post-plate baking for hydrogen embrittlement relief), this section mandates strict calibration, system accuracy tests (SAT), and temperature uniformity surveys (TUS). 5. Job Audits
If you need help preparing for your next plating audit, tell me:
Understanding how CQI-11 relates to other CQI standards provides valuable context for implementation. CQI-9 deals directly with heat treatment systems, a critical process for achieving proper metal hardness and strength characteristics. CQI-12 addresses coating systems assessment, applying to painting, powder coating, and other surface finishing methods. CQI-29 covers brazing processes.
Implementing the CQI-11 standard offers significant benefits to plating suppliers and their customers:
If you supply coated components to major automotive manufacturers (such as General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, or Tier-1 suppliers), CQI-11 compliance is usually a mandatory requirement. aiag cqi-11 pdf
Having the PDF is 10% of the battle. The other 90% is execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to deploying CQI-11 in your plating operation.
Robust material handling links finished parts back to specific batch parameters.
The Ultimate Guide to AIAG CQI-11: Understanding and Implementing Plating System Assessments
Management must review and verify bake oven logs every 24 hours or prior to shipping parts. For plating processes that rely on specific temperature
The CQI-11 Plating System Assessment is a comprehensive auditing tool used to evaluate a plating supplier's ability to meet stringent automotive requirements. It applies to various plating processes, including: Zinc and zinc alloy electrodeposits Decorative plating on metal or plastic substrates Hard chromium deposits Electroless nickel Electropolishing
: Cleanliness of containers to prevent cross-contamination between raw and plated parts. 3. Equipment and Facility Infrastructure
The is designed to address this vulnerability. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to assess and validate their plating management systems, moving beyond basic quality checks to emphasize defect prevention, continuous improvement, and the reduction of variation and waste across the supply chain.
AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) CQI-11 is a standard for the automotive industry that focuses on the production of heat-treated steel parts. The CQI-11 standard provides guidelines for the control of heat treatment processes to ensure the quality of steel parts. CQI-9 deals directly with heat treatment systems, a
Auditors and plant managers frequently conduct plating assessments in remote shop floors with poor internet connectivity. A PDF file allows them to use tablets or laptops offline, filling out scoring sheets in real-time without needing a cloud connection.
Implementing CQI-11 requires a thorough understanding of the requirements and a commitment to continuous improvement. Organizations should start by conducting a self-assessment to identify areas where they may be falling short of the standards. Once gaps are identified, an action plan should be developed to address them and bring the plating process into compliance.
A major addition to the third edition is a dedicated pyrometry section. The intent of this new section is to more clearly define the applicable pyrometry requirements, provide guidance regarding proper pyrometry testing methodologies, and harmonize the CQI-11 pyrometry testing methodologies with those in CQI-9 for heat treatment assessment. For plating operations, pyrometry addresses the thermal processes involved in pre-treatment, drying, and curing. For welding, it addresses the precise control of current, voltage, and thermal inputs. While the pyrometry requirements remain process-based, they are now more clearly defined, with additional details regarding acceptable practices for each test process included in the third edition.