IATF 16949:2016 and Automotive Supplier Calibration Requirements
So you are reviewing IATF 16949:2016 and looking for all the specifics on calibration. This...
IATF 16949:2016 replaced ISO/TS 16949 on October 3, 2016. IATF is an acronym for International Automotive Task Force.
This standard specifically addresses Automotive Quality Management Systems. One key advisory group is the AIAG- Automotive Industry Action Group.
It is significant to note that this standard is no longer under the ISO umbrella, but is now an automotive sector-owned standard.
It requires that all subcontracted/outsourced work must be in conformance with all interested parties.
This standard addresses Internal Auditing and calls out Special Processes.
CQI-9 Special Process: Heat Treat System Assessment
CQI-11 Special Process: Plating System Assessment
CQI-12 Special Process: Coating System Assessment
CQI-15 Special Process: Welding System Assessment
CQI-17 Special Process: Soldering System Assessment
CQI-23 Special Process: Molding System Assessment
CQI-27 Special Process: Casting System Assessment
Two key features of IATF 16949 that involve calibration are:
- Production Part Approval Process- PPAP
- Measurement System Analysis - MSA
PPAP is a very detailed process. You may want to read this article for more details. Intrinsic to the PPAP is MSA.
MSA-Measurement System Analysis would include bias, linearity, stability, repeatability and reproducibility.
Some common terms used in Measurement System Analysis:
Bias also referred to as Accuracy. How close you are to the actual value of the sample or part.
Linearity is a measure of the consistency of Bias (Accuracy) over the range of the measurement device.
Stability refers to the capacity of a measurement system to produce the same values over time when measuring the same sample.Repeatability does the same person get the same results measuring the same part.
Reproducibility does a different technician get the same results on the same part.
(These are often referred to as Gage R&R.)
You may want to read these articles from QI Macros and Minitab for a more detailed discussion.
Calibration is integral to MSA as you must ensure that repeated use has not affected results.
All that being said, you can see that it is not enough just to look at Pass/Fail on your calibration reports and file them.
Statistical analysis must be performed on the results to determine if any adjustments- Before/After Data impacted product quality or if "wear and tear" over time had an effect.
Internally, look at Gage R&R and determine if your current training methods are achieving the desired results.
This was a very brief synopsis of IATF 16949:2016. We would love to hear your thoughts.
You may also want to look at our International Standards page.
Phil Wiseman
Phil Wiseman is Chief Marketing Officer at Alliance Calibration. He earned a B.S. in Chemical Physics from Centre College. Phil is an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor and ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence.