The CQI-27 Special Process: Casting System Assessment (2nd Edition) is a standardized framework published by the AIAG to help automotive foundries ensure robust process controls and minimize defects. Key Features & Updates (2nd Edition)
The updated manual includes an Excel file designed for simpler assessment completion and editing:
Consolidated Requirements: Similar tables from the 1st Edition have been merged for better efficiency.
Expanded Process Coverage: New tables added to cover a wider range of casting processes, including sand, investment, and high-pressure die casting.
Mandatory Focus: Greater emphasis on requirements generally regarded as mandatory and on customer-authorized deviations. cqi27 casting system assessment xls upd
Editable Excel Sheets: Unused rows, columns, and sheets are now unprotected to allow for easier customization and editing. Included Process Tables The assessment includes 10 specialized process tables: Table A: Sand Casting (Iron/Steel) Table B/C: Centrifugal Castings & Liners Table D: Investment Castings
Table E-H: Aluminum processes (Cylinder Heads, Sand Cast, Metal Mold, High Pressure Die Cast) Table I/J: Magnesium & Zinc High Pressure Die Cast Critical Audit Areas
The assessment checklist focuses on technical controls such as:
Casting Simulation: Mandatory use of solidification modeling software (e.g., MagmaSoft, AnyCasting). The CQI-27 Special Process: Casting System Assessment (2nd
Tooling Maintenance: Requirements for cycle-based tracking and non-abrasive cleaning methods.
Metal Control: Guidelines for storage, magnesium treatment, and temperature management. CQI-27 | Special Process: Casting System Assessment - AIAG
Example formula for summary sheet:
=SUMIFS(Detailed!D:D, Detailed!A:A, ">=0") / (COUNTIF(Detailed!A:A, "Process Control")*10) *100
The assessment serves three primary functions: Step 3 – Automate Scoring Formulas Example formula
File Name: cqi27_casting_system_assessment.xls
Version: Updated (UPD)
Applicable Standard: AIAG CQI-27, 2nd Edition (or current revision)
While the Excel format remains dominant due to its flexibility and low cost, the industry is slowly evolving. AIAG is piloting digital assessment tools including:
However, for the next 3-5 years, the CQI-27 Casting System Assessment XLS UPD will remain the backbone of casting quality audits. It is affordable, portable, and universally understood by quality technicians from Detroit to Shanghai.
A practical Excel-based CQI-27 tracking system contains at least three main sheets:
Once a "Red" item is identified, the XLS UPD can auto-populate a CAR worksheet with required fields: root cause, containment, permanent correction, and due dates.
Many updated XLS versions include drop-downs for English, Spanish, Chinese, and German—critical for global auditing teams.