CQI-29 is one of the special process assessment standards released by AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group). Its full name is:
CQI-29: Special Process – Brazing System Assessment (BSA)
Basic Information
Project Content
Standard Name CQI-29 Brazing System Assessment
English Full Name Brazing System Assessment (BSA)
Issuing Agency AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group)
Current Version 1 (Released in 2019)
Scope of Application All automotive manufacturers and suppliers involved in brazing processes
Objectives of CQI-29
Improve the consistency and reliability of brazing processes for automotive parts
Reduce the risk of defects (cold welds, leakage, weld nodules, weld penetration, etc.) in brazed joints
Meet the quality requirements of OEM and Tier 1 customers for "special processes"
Promote traceability, standardization, and continuous improvement of brazing processes
Structure of CQI-29
CQI-29 The assessment content is divided into the following core modules:
Part Content
1 Management Responsibility
2 Common Process Requirements
3 Process Tables
4 Appendix (Terms, Checklists, Legends, etc.)
Detailed Explanation of Main Content
1. Management Responsibility
The enterprise needs to have the following management mechanism:
Clearly assign the person responsible for the brazing process (technology, quality)
Establish brazing process documents: process flow chart, PFMEA, control plan, work instructions, etc.
Establish an internal audit system, and it is recommended to conduct a complete CQI-29 self-assessment every 12 months
Key position operators must be trained and certified to work
Have a complete product traceability system, covering solder batches, equipment numbers, personnel and other information
2. Common Process Requirements
Covering the entire process quality control of brazing production:
Stage Control Points
Material Control Solder (welding wire, solder sheet, paste solder) and flux need to have incoming inspection and validity period control
Surface preparation Cleaning and degreasing, deoxidation layer, drying treatment
Assembly and matching Reasonable brazing gap design (typical value 0.03-0.15 mm)
Heating control Temperature, heating rate, holding time, cooling curve, atmosphere environment (such as nitrogen, hydrogen)
Flux control Type, usage method (coating/impregnation), whether to clean residues
Post-welding treatment Cleaning, inspection, heat treatment, anti-corrosion measures
Defect prevention and control Identify and isolate defects such as cold solder joints, weld penetration, pores, incomplete welding, cracks, etc.
Inspection and testing Including appearance, size, leakage, strength, metallographic, X-ray and other inspections
Error prevention mechanism Anti-mixing, anti-wrong installation, anti-temperature deviation, anti-operational errors and other measures
3. Sub-process table (Process Tables)
CQI-29 According to different brazing processes, multiple sub-process control tables are set up, each containing specific process parameters and control requirements:
Table number Brazing type Process control focus
Table A Torch Brazing Flame temperature, heating uniformity, operating skills
Table B Induction Brazing Induction coil design, frequency, current, heating time
Table C Furnace Brazing Furnace temperature distribution, atmosphere control (vacuum/protective gas), insulation curve
Table D Dip Brazing Flux tank temperature, time, coating consistency
Table E Infrared Brazing Light intensity control, time setting, temperature control accuracy
Table F Laser Brazing Laser power, focal length, scanning path, weld width
Table G Resistance Brazing Heating time, current, electrode pressure, cooling rate
4. Appendix content (additional support)
Common brazing defect pictures and terms (such as pinhole, flow void, bridging)
Poka-yoke design recommendations for welding operations
List of inspection and verification methods (such as vacuum testing, microscopic inspection, metallographic sample preparation methods)
Equipment maintenance, parameter calibration recommendation periodic table
✅ CQI-29 scoring mechanism
Grade Meaning
S (Satisfactory) Satisfactory, fully in line with CQI requirements
M (Minor) Minor deviation, no impact on product quality or consistency
MA (Major) Major deviation, may affect safety/function/performance
U (Unsatisfactory) Unqualified or key process is not controlled, must be corrected immediately
Common defects and control examples of brazing
Defect type Control measures
Void/incomplete welding Gap control, insufficient heating time, contamination causing poor wetting
Cracks Too fast heating rate, mismatched material expansion, too fast cooling
Weld penetration Too high temperature, concentrated heating, structural design problems
Weld nodules Too much solder or too strong fluidity, poor guidance
Porosity/oxidation inclusions No cleaning before welding, poor flux quality, insufficient degassing
CQI-29 Scope of application
CQI-29 applies to any organization involved in brazing processes in automotive parts, including but not limited to:
Cooling system components (condenser, radiator tube welding)
Chassis parts/body structure components (welding reinforcement plates)
Exhaust system (stainless steel pipe/insulation plate brazing)
Motor parts (winding joints, induction coils)
Turbocharger/air compressor (high temperature component brazing)
Precision connectors (copper/stainless steel/aluminum welded parts)
Summary table
Item Content
Standard name CQI-29 Brazing system evaluation
Current version 1st edition (2019)
Processes involved Flame, induction, furnace, laser, resistance, infrared, immersion brazing, etc.
Assessment structure Management responsibility + General requirements + Sub-process control + Appendix information
Recommended frequency Self-assessment every 12 months
Common tests Air tightness, weld strength, microstructure, nondestructive testing, appearance, etc.
Application areas Radiators, heat exchangers, motors, sensors, structural parts, etc.
