CQI-23 Molding: Assess Injection Molding with the AIAG Checklist
What is CQI-23?
CQI-23 is the AIAG special process standard 'Molding System Assessment' for quality control of plastic injection molding processes. It covers material management and drying, molding parameters, mold and equipment maintenance, dimensional and appearance inspection, personnel and records, and is a common audit basis for automotive plastic part suppliers. Results support supplier grading and order allocation while driving continuous improvement.
When to Use It
Use CQI-23 for audits of suppliers of automotive interior, exterior and functional plastic parts, for internal molding-shop self-assessments, and for troubleshooting molding defects such as sink marks, warpage or short shots. It also supports new-mold trials and process approval. First- and last-article inspection records should be matched to production lots so suspect product can be isolated quickly.
How to Use It (Step by Step)
Assess material grade and lot traceability, drying temperature, time and dew point control, molding parameter records (temperatures, pressures, speeds, hold and cooling), mold maintenance and cavity condition, machine capability and calibration, dimensional measurement and appearance standards (sink, flash, weld lines), and first and last article checks. Score each item as conforming, non-conforming or not applicable, with missing evidence treated as non-conforming, and track corrective actions with owners and due dates.
Key Formulas / Example
CQI-23 is an evidence-based checklist assessment rather than a calculation. For hygroscopic resins such as PA, PC and PBT, drying is verified by dew point, commonly -40 C or lower, and by drying temperature and time records. Multi-cavity molds are controlled by cavity numbering, per-cavity inspection and traceability so a defect can be traced to one cavity and its product isolated.