Process Capability Studies

Chapter 5.9 Montgomery

How can I know my process is making what it is supposed to?

In other words, if I have to give a summary of my process performance based on what is

required (specification limits and target) and what it is doing (the control chart parameter
estimates), what can I use?
• Tolerance Charts
• Capability indices

Natural Tolerance of a Process

The natural tolerance is the variation present in my in-control process. So I’m not going to
estimate this unless my process is in-control (stable and predictable over time).

Recall, we’ve already found this process to be in statistical control by inspecting the X-bar and R
charts.

So, we can now investigate the tolerance of this process if specification limits of 10 and 18
seconds are imposed.

Application Loading Time

Recall, we’ve already found this process to be in statistical control by inspecting the Xbar and R
charts.

So, we can now investigate the tolerance of this process if specification limits of 10 and 18
seconds are imposed.

Tolerance Chart

There is no option for a tolerance chart in JMP, but we can make a very similar looking graph
using the Variability /Gage platform. You must stack your data ahead of time and enter the
specification limits in the column information.

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Checking our understanding…What's the problem here?

Next, taking a look at specific types of measures for monitoring quality.

Cp

The Cp is a numerical measure that captures the information displayed in this histogram below.
It is a ratio of the required tolerance to the natural tolerance.

Cpk

The Cp fails to consider if the process is centered or not. There might be different
consequences for being out high than low (you can always cut something shorter but you can’t
make something longer).

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Figure 5.21, page 205

This is not a new topic! Think about what you already know from Normal Theory…

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Example 5.10 from page 207

Joe’s Salsa Company is considering using a new container for its salsa. According to their
research, the glass containers for the salsa should have a strength between 185 and 325 psi.
Joe’s vendor has provided the following data for evaluation. Is there evidence that the process
is in control? Is it capable of producing jars with a breaking strength between 185 and 325?

• First, does the process seem in control?

• Next, let's investigate monitoring statistics that can summarize what's going on.

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• Next, let's investigate monitoring statistics that can summarize what's going on.

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 • And checking with JMP output…

What you should know from this lecture…

• What is a tolerance chart and why would we use it.

• Issues when it comes to including specification limits on certain control charts.

• How to calculate the percent out of specification for a process.

• Assumptions for doing a process capability study.

• Calculate Cp, Cpk

• Use Cpl and Cpu to provide an estimate of fallout and the necessary assumptions when
using these ppm quantities

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