What is CQI-9? What should be done now in evaluating heat treatment systems for automotive parts?
Automotive / Quality Standards
What is CQI-9? What should be done now in evaluating heat treatment systems for automotive parts?
Update date: July 31, 2026
This article is for quality assurance and production technology personnel who are being asked to comply with CQI-9 for the first time, management personnel considering entering the automotive industry, and new employees in workplaces already complying with CQI-9 who want to understand "why this is being done in the first place." We will organize everything from the basics of CQI-9 to what needs to be done in practice and where to seek support.
CQI-9 is one of the standards issued by AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group), a US automotive industry organization. Its official name is "Special process: Heat Treatment System Assessment." It is also known as HTSA (Heat Treat System Assessment), derived from the initials of its English name.
The automotive industry has IATF 16949, international standards for quality management systems. CQI-9 is a methodology for evaluating (auditing) heat treatment process, which are considered particularly difficult to manage within the "special process" required by IATF 16949. It was jointly developed by the US Big Three (GM, Ford, Stellantis (formerly Chrysler)) and heat treatment companies.
The current latest version is the 4th edition, published in June 2020. Since the 3rd edition, several changes have been made that directly impact practical use, including revisions to the evaluation format, a complete update to the reporting requirements for high-temperature measurements, a review of the expiration dates and replacement schedules for thermocouples, and the establishment of deadlines for digitizing analog measuring instruments.
2. If we don't do it, will we be unable to supply it?
In conclusion, for automotive parts suppliers with heat treatment process, CQI-9 compliance is a prerequisite for continuing business.
GM, Ford, and Stellantis require their suppliers to use CQI-9 within their respective "customer-specific requirements." This applies whether the heat treatment process is performed in-house or outsourced. Moreover, compliance is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing effort requiring a self-assessment based on CQI-9 at least once a year.
Inadequate responses could lead to non-conformity findings and demands for corrective actions during audits, ultimately potentially affecting the continuation of business as an approved supplier.
For management teams considering entering the automotive industry, it's crucial to understand that not only can you produce good products, but also whether you have a quality control system that can comply with CQI-9 standards can be a deciding factor in securing orders. Compliance requires investment and preparation time, including reviewing measuring instruments, establishing calibration systems, and creating record-keeping and reporting mechanisms. Therefore, it's recommended to consider this from the initial stages of considering entry into field of view.
3. What is written in CQI-9?
The evaluation is broadly configuration of four categories. In practice, these are further subdivided into "process Schedule A" through "process Schedule I".
classification
Contents
Responsibilities of Management and Quality Planning
Establishment of organizational quality policies and systems for heat treatment process.
Responsibility for on-site and material handling
On-site operations and material identification/traceability
equipment
Hardware management, such as furnaces and measuring instruments.
Jigs and tools
Management and calibration of jigs and fixtures
The scope of application is clearly stated as temperature sensors, instrumentation systems, thermal processing equipment, system accuracy testing (SAT), temperature uniformity testing (TUS), and quality control. Among these, "TUS" and "SAT" are particularly important keywords that those working with measuring instruments should be familiar with. In the next chapter, we will look at what these terms mean in practice.
4. Things that need to be addressed in practice
The main obligations specifically required on-site in response to CQI-9 are as follows:
Thermocouple management: Adhere to regulations regarding expiration dates and replacement schedules for thermocouples permanently stationed in the furnace.
Calibration of measuring instruments: Prepare a calibration certificate in accordance with JCSS (ISO/IEC 17025 compliant).
Digitalization Compliance: A new deadline has been set in the 4th edition for the digitalization of analog measuring instruments.
Conducting a TUS (Temperature Uniformity Survey): Regularly check for temperature variations inside the furnace.
Conducting SAT (System Accuracy Test): Regularly verifying the accuracy of the entire measurement system.
Record keeping: Keep records of the activities performed and make them available for presentation at any time during an audit.
The key practical point is that these are not one-time tasks, but rather require continuous operation at set intervals and the data accumulated as records.
5. What methods are actually needed for management?
Chapter 4 outlines how to implement the obligations listed in Chapter 4 in practice.
Thermocouples are placed at multiple points inside the furnace to check for variations in temperature relative to the set temperature (image).
TUS operation
Thermocouples are placed at multiple points inside the furnace, and the degree of variation at each point relative to the set temperature is measured and recorded. The number of points to be placed and the tolerance vary depending on the furnace class (tolerance range for temperature uniformity), so the starting point is to understand which class your company's furnace belongs to.
SAT operation
We regularly compare a standard measuring instrument with the measurement system actually used in the field to verify the extent of any differences.
Centralized management of records and reports
There is a growing trend towards shifting from paper chart to digital data for recording and storage. If management remains dependent on individual employees, there is a risk of delays when employees change positions or leave the company. Therefore, it is crucial to create a system that can be used consistently by anyone.
Leaving the basis for the cycle
When it comes to calibration cycles and thermocouple replacement timings, audits emphasize not just the set values themselves, but also the ability to explain "why" those cycles were chosen. It's reassuring to have a system in place to document the rationale based on usage frequency, operating environment, required accuracy, and past calibration results. (For more information on determining calibration cycles, please also see "How to Determine Calibration Cycles?")
6. Where should I seek support?
Attempting to handle all CQI-9 compliance in-house can be a significant burden, involving the acquisition of specialized knowledge, investment in equipment, and daily operational workload. Instead of insisting on in-house development, we recommend considering the option of appropriately leveraging external resources.
Support recipient 01
Specialized manufacturer of measuring instruments and calibration equipment
This is a place where you can consult about sensors, recorders, and calibration services all in one place.
Support recipient 02
Seminars and educational institutions
This seminar covers explanations of CQI-9 and IATF16949, as well as audit preparation.
Support recipient 03
TUS/SAT Agency Service
This service provides support and assistance for conducting surveys and tests.
Support recipient 04
Internal division
First, we'll clarify what we'll handle in-house and what we'll outsource.
7. What Chino can do to help
Chino offers products and services that meet the specifications of CQI-9 4th edition.
PDF chart Graphic recorder: Supports a smooth transition from paper chart and meets digitalization requirements.
CQI-9 compliant thermocouples: We have ASTM-SP class thermocouples available.
Issuance of JCSS calibration certificates: We can issue calibration certificates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and provide on-site calibration services.
TUS Report Creation Software: Supports the creation of reports on temperature uniformity surveys.
high accuracy correction function: Up to 16 points of broken line correction for each instrument and sensor can be used to meet required accuracy requirements.
Reduced calibration workload: Our unique automatic calibration point registration function reduces the burden of daily calibration tasks.
Temperature control via controller: This also addresses situations where overheating prevention or stable temperature control is required.
I would like to consult about CQI-9 compliance.
Based on the measurement targets, current equipment configuration, and deadlines, we propose establishing a system that can comply with CQI-9 4th edition.
TUS is a survey to check for temperature variations inside the furnace, while SAT is a test to verify the accuracy of the entire measurement system. Both are different types of verification items required by CQI-9.
Q2
Does CQI-9 still apply even if heat treatment is outsourced?
It is relevant. Whether you perform heat treatment in-house or outsource it, the entire supply chain involving a heat treatment process may be subject to CQI-9. You will also be involved in verifying and managing whether your contractors comply with CQI-9.
Q3
What has changed from the 3rd edition to the 4th edition?
The main changes include revisions to the cover sheet format, revisions to the HTSA (Heat Treatment System Assessment) format, a complete update to the reporting requirements for high-temperature measurements, changes to the expiration date and replacement timing for thermocouples, setting a deadline for digitizing analog measuring instruments, and changes to the requirements for calibration, SAT, and TUS.
Q4
Are material manufacturers also subject to CQI-9?
Generally, it is not covered. This is because CQI-9 is a standard that evaluates the "process" of heat treatment, not constituent or mechanical properties of the material itself. However, if the material manufacturer performs heat treatment such as annealing or tempering in-house, that process may be subject to CQI-9.
Q5
How long will it take to resolve this?
It largely depends on how well your current measuring instruments and data management system meet the level of CQI-9. We recommend starting by identifying gap between your company's furnaces, thermocouples, and recording methods and the requirements of the 4th edition.
If you have any problems with temperature control, please feel free to contact us.
If you register as a CHINO Web member, you will be able to view the product's instruction manual. If you wish, we will send you the latest information on CHINO products via email.
