CQI-15 is one of the automotive industry quality standards issued by AIAG (American Automotive Industry Action Group). Its full name is:
CQI-15: Special Process – Welding System Assessment (WSA)
It is a standardized assessment guide for all automotive-related "welding processes (such as resistance welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, etc.)" to ensure welding quality, process consistency and product reliability.
Version number: 2nd edition
Release date: 2010 (latest version is 2010)
Scope of application: Organizations that perform or manage welding processes for automotive parts, including in-house or outsourced welding units
Purpose of CQI-15
Prevent functional failures caused by welding defects (cracks, cold welds, spatter, pores, etc.)
Structure of CQI-15
The evaluation form of CQI-15 contains the following main parts:
1 Management Responsibility
2 Common Process Requirements
3 Welding Process Tables
4 Appendixes and supporting documents
1. Management responsibilities
Have internal self-assessments been performed regularly (recommended once every 12 months)?
2. General process control requirements
Raw material control All welding materials (welding wire, shielding gas, electrode caps, etc.) must comply with specifications and be traceable
Welding parameter control Including current, voltage, time, pressure, etc., should be monitored and recorded in real time
Welding fixtures Fixtures should be prevented from mis-installation, accurately positioned, and regularly maintained
3. Sub-process table (Welding Process Tables
CQI-15 sets detailed control requirements for different welding methods, including but not limited to:
Table No. Welding Type Example Control Points
Each sub-process requires control:
4. Attachments and Supporting Documents
Solder spot defect diagram (burn-through, lack of fusion, cold solder joint, spatter, etc.)
✅ CQI-15 scoring mechanism
Same as other CQI standards, each item is scored according to 4 levels:
Pull-off test Tensile testing machine First piece per day or per model
Flaw detection Ultrasonic, X-ray Safety parts recommendation
CQI-15 Applicable enterprise scope
Exhaust system, seat frame welding, etc.
CQI-15 is required for both internal production and outsourced welding processes
Standard Name CQI-15 Welding System Assessment
Current Version 2nd Edition (2010)
Scope of application All automotive-related welding processes
Core Content Management Responsibilities + Process Control + Sub-Process Control
Implementation Frequency It is recommended to conduct self-assessment every 12 months
Common Inspections Welding point strength, size, appearance, defect rate, flaw detection, etc.
