Evaluating measurement and process capabilities by GR&R with four quality measures

This paper proposes a procedure for assessing a measurement system and manufacturing process capabilities using Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) designed experiments with four quality measures. In this procedure, a GR&R study is conducted to obtain replicate measurements on units by several different operators. The gage and part variance components are then estimated by conducting analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the GR&R measurement observations. Finally, the acceptance and rejection criteria of the precision-to-tolerance ratio (PTR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), discrimination ratio (DR), and process capability index (C-p or C-pk), are employed to assess the measurement and process capabilities. Three previously studied case studies are provided for illustration: in all of which the procedure provided efficient capability assessments at minimal computational and statistical efforts. In conclusion, the procedure proposed in this research using GR&R designed experiments provides valuable procedure and helpful guidelines to quality and production managers in assessing the capabilities of a measurement system and manufacturing process, and deciding the needed actions for improving performance. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.