CQI-12 is one of the AIAG (American Automotive Industry Action Group) Special Process Evaluation Guidelines. The full name is:
CQI-12: Special Process Evaluation – Coating Systems (CSA)
This is an automotive industry standard for systematically evaluating coating processes (spray, electrophoresis, powder coating, dipping, etc.), ensuring the reliability, aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and adhesion of coating products.
Purpose of CQI-12
Systematic review of the coating process of automotive parts
Identification and control of process variations and failure risks
Improve surface treatment quality and reduce defects such as flaking, blistering, and rust
Meet OEM requirements for consistency and reliability of specialty processes
Current Version
Version: Version 2 (published 2020)
Applies to: All automotive suppliers that coat parts, including their own plants or outsourced units
Structure of CQI-12
The CQI-12 assessment form is essentially divided into the following four parts:
Part Content
1. Management Responsibility
2. Common Process Requirements
3. Sub-Process Tables (Coating Process Tables)
4. Appendices and Reference Documents (Appendix)
Details of Each Part
1. Management Responsibility
Does the company have the following basic management mechanisms in place:
Clear Responsibilities and authorities (e.g., Process Manager, Quality Manager)
Is a CQI-12 self-assessment conducted regularly (recommended every 12 months)?
Is there a mechanism for training and developing staff?
Is there a process for corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)?
Is there an internal control standard that meets the customer's technical requirements?
2. General Process Requirements
Includes control of the entire coating process:
Process Phase Example Requirements
Pretreatment (degreasing, phosphating, etc.): Monitoring of chemical composition, temperature, time, pH, concentration, and other parameters
Coating (spraying, electrophoresis, powder coating, etc.): Control of key process parameters such as gun pressure, voltage, amperage, film thickness, etc.
Drying/Curing: Control of oven temperature, time, transfer speed, and presence of a Temperature Uniformity Test (TUS)
Inspection/Rework: Testing of adhesion, film thickness, and appearance, as well as presence of rework restrictions and traceability
Offgas/Wastewater Treatment: Compliance with environmental regulations and presence of leakage monitoring
3. Table of Coating Sub-Processes (Process Tables)
CQI-12 specifies technical control points for various coating processes, including:
Table Number Coating Type Control Points
Table A Electrocoating: Voltage, amperage, bath temperature, film thickness, adhesion, Corrosion resistance, etc.
Table B: Solvent-based coating: Spray pressure, atomization effect, volatility control, gas flow, etc.
Table C: Water-based coating: pH, surface tension, solids content, drying curve
Table D: Powder coating: Powder type, particle size, tension, recovery system, coating thickness consistency
Table E: Dip coating: Coating time, speed, angle, viscosity, uniformity, etc.
The following information is required for each table:
Control parameters must be documented
Test frequency must be clear
Test method must be effective (e.g., adhesion testing, coating thickness measurement, salt spray testing, etc.)
Conforms to customer specifications
4. Appendix Contents
Terms and Definitions
Recommended report sheet (e.g., coating process parameter report sheet)
Fault chart (e.g., sagging, orange peel, pinholes, burns, etc.)
Recommendations for equipment maintenance and calibration cycles
Notes for compliance with environmental regulations (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs))
✅ Description of the assessment mechanism
CQI-12 The assessment is based on the following four levels:
Level Description
S (Satisfactory) – Satisfactory, full compliance
M (Minor) – Minor deviation, no major risk in the short term
MA (Major) – Major deviation, may affect product quality or consistency
U (Unsatisfactory) – Unqualified or no control measures
Applicable CQI-12 Objects
All coating suppliers in the automotive industry, including but not limited to:
Electrophoresis coating facilities (e.g., primer shops)
Spray facilities (solvent-based, water-based, powder)
Part manufacturers with outsourcing partners for surface coatings
Tier 1/2 suppliers or OEM outsourcing units
