CQI-30 is one of the dedicated process system assessment standards published by AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group), focusing on rubber processing systems. Its full name is:
CQI-30: Special Process – Rubber Processing System Assessment (RPSA)
Special Process – Rubber Processing System Assessment
Basic Information
Project Content
Standard Name CQI-30 Rubber Processing System Assessment
English Full Name Rubber Processing System Assessment (RPSA)
Issuing Agency AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group)
Current Version 2 (Published in November 2020)
Applicable to All manufacturers that provide rubber products to the automotive industry
The main goal of CQI-30
Systematic quality assessment of the rubber product production process
Improve the stability and consistency of rubber mixing, molding, injection, extrusion and other processes
Reduce defects in the processing process, such as bubbles, scorch, shrinkage, dimensional loss of control, etc.
Meet the consistency requirements of OEMs (such as Ford, GM, Stellantis) for "special processes"
Promote rubber companies to establish a continuous improvement mechanism
The structure of CQI-30
CQI-30 is divided into two parts:
Module Contents
1️⃣ Mixing & Molding System Assessment
2️⃣ Extrusion System Assessment
Users can select the corresponding module for assessment (or both) according to their own process.
1️⃣ Mixing & Molding System Assessment
Scope of application
Applicable to rubber compounding, mixing (such as internal mixing, open mixing), compression molding (molding, injection molding) and other processes.
Key Control Points
Process Stage Control Point Examples
Raw Material Management Formula corresponds to material number, batch traceability, storage environment control
Ingredient Control Accurate metering error is controlled within ±1%, with records
Mixing Process Furnace temperature, time, speed control, carbon black/sulfur/additive dispersion consistency
Scorch Monitoring Control the scorch time (Scorch Time) of the rubber compound after mixing
Molding/Injection Process Control mold temperature, pressure, pressurization/holding time, demolding cooling time
Mold Management Mold cleaning, numbering, anti-sticking agent use, periodic maintenance records
First piece confirmation Hardness, size, appearance confirmation, must be performed after each mold/material change
Defect Control For example, flash, bubbles, undersulfurization, scorch, shrinkage, mold printing and other defect isolation management
Inspection Items Appearance, hardness, size, specific gravity, compression set, tensile strength, etc.
2️⃣ Extrusion System Assessment
Scope of application
Applicable to rubber extrusion (such as sealing strips, hoses, profiles, etc.) and vulcanization systems.
Key points of control
Process stage Control point example
Rubber control Rubber batch and formula consistency, storage environment temperature and humidity control
Extrusion process parameters Screw speed, temperature, pressure, traction speed control accuracy requirements
Mold/die Mold is cleaned regularly, the cavity is free of carbon deposits, deformation or collapse
Vulcanization control Hot air/microwave/hot oil/steam vulcanization temperature and time must be controllable and recordable
Appearance consistency Prevent surface orange peel, streaks, roughness, blistering, deformation and other problems
Dimension control Width, height, thickness, etc. require online dimension detection
Error prevention measures Anti-mixing mechanism when changing formula, machine, sequence
✅ Evaluation mechanism and scoring method
CQI-30 adopts the standard CQI system scoring method:
Grade Meaning
S (Satisfactory) Satisfactory, fully in line with the standard
M (Minor) Slight deviation, no impact on quality
MA (Major) Severe deviation, quality risk
U (Unsatisfactory) If not in compliance, rectification is required
Recommended frequency: Conduct a complete self-assessment every 12 months
Evaluators must have knowledge of rubber processes and quality awareness
CQI-30 Applicable Product Examples
Type Example
Seals Door seals, glass rails, box seals
Pipes and hoses Oil pipes, water pipes, air pipes
Shock absorbers Engine mounts, bushings, shock absorber parts
Dust covers Steering tie rods, ball head dust covers
Rubber miscellaneous parts Washers, insulation sleeves, foot pads, buffer blocks
Summary table
Item Content
Standard CQI-30 Rubber Processing System Assessment
Current version 2nd edition (2020)
Assessment object Rubber mixing, molding, injection, extrusion and other processes
Assessment structure Module 1: Mixing and molding; Module 2: Extrusion
Recommended frequency Self-assessment every 12 months
Typical control points Rubber formula, mold temperature control, vulcanization curve, dimensional detection, defect prevention and control
Core products Seals, hoses, shock absorbers, dust covers and other automotive rubber parts
