Process and Measurement

System Capability Analysis

Introduction
Variability in the process is a measure of the
uniformity of output.
Two types of variability:
Natural or inherent variability (instantaneous)
Variability over time
Assume that a process involves a quality
characteristic that follows a normal distribution
with mean , and standard deviation, . The upper
and lower natural tolerance limits of the process
are
UNTL = + 3
LNTL = - 3

Introduction

Process capability analysis is an

engineering study to estimate process
capability.

The ability to meet specifications

is the criterion used for measuring
the attractiveness of the process.

Introduction

The control charts (Previous chapters) talk

about variation across samples, but do not
have any relation with customer specifications.

Process capability represents the performance

of a process in a state of statistical control.

It is determined by the total variability that

exists because of all common causes present
in the system. (All special causes have been
removed)

Major benefits of process

capability analysis
1.

Uniformity of the output

2.

Maintained or improved quality

3.

Product and
improved

4.

Assistance in vendor selection and control

5.

Reduce total cost

process

design

may

be

Techniques used in process

capability analysis

1. Histograms or probability plots

2. Control Charts
3. Designed Experiments

Process Capability Analysis Using

a Histogram or a Probability Plot
Using a Histogram (natural tolerance limits)
The histogram along with the sample mean
and sample standard deviation provides
information about process capability.

x 3s
The process capability can be estimated as

The shape of the histogram can be determined (such

as if it follows a normal distribution)

Histograms provide immediate, visual impression of

process performance.

Process spread is 3+3 =6 Sigma.

Statistical tolerance limits

Defined by ANSI/ASQC American
National Standards Institute/American
Society of Quality Control
Confidence level will be given as
predefined.

Histogram

Process capability indices

1. Cp Index
2. Cpk Index

Process should first be analyzed to

verify that it is in control before its
capability is estimated.

PCI is an aggregate measure of the

goodness of the process performance.

Cp Index
Use and Interpretation of Cp

USL LSL
Cp
6

where LSL and USL are the lower and upper specification limits,
respectively. (the difference between the two is specification spread,
whereas 6 sigma is process spread)
If is unknown it is

R / d2

Cp >1, process is quite capable

Cp =1, equal with only 0.26% (0.13 % above USL and 0.13% below USL)
of the parts will fall outside the specifications limits. Cp >=1 is desired

If the process is not centered, it is possible that even process with Cp

>1, some proportion of the products may be non conforming.

Use and Interpretation of

Cp
One-Sided Specifications

USL
C pu
3
LSL
C pl
3

These indices are used for upper specification

and lower specification limits, respectively
Cpu and Cpl are desired to be >=1

Use and Interpretation of

Cp
Assumptions
The quantities presented here (Cp, Cpu, Cpl) have
some very critical assumptions:
1. The quality characteristic has a normal
distribution.
2. The process is in statistical control
3. In the case of two-sided specifications, the
process mean is centered between the lower
and upper specification limits.
If any of these assumptions are violated, the
resulting quantities may be in error.

Use and Interpretation of

Cp

The relative humidity in a greenhouse is

expected to be between 65% to 85%.
Random samples taken over a span of one
week yield the following values. 60, 78, 70,
84, 81, 80, 85, 60, 88, 75.
Is the process capable.
LSL=65
USL=85
Mean=76.1
SD=9.905
Cp is 0.337, indicate the process is not capable
of meeting the specifications.

Use and Interpretation of

Cp

Cpl Is 0.374 and Cpu is 0.299, indicate the

process is not capable of meeting the
specifications.
If the process variation can not be controlled,
the alternative is to increase the process
mean, so that it is well within the limit of LSL.

Cpk Chart
The location of the parameter also
influence the processs ability to
produce a conforming product. Cp does
not include that, whereas Cpk takes that
into consideration.
Cpk is min of (Cpu, Cpl)
It represents the scaled distance, relative
to 3 sigma between the process mean
and the closest specification limit. Cpk
>=1 is desired
C represents the process potential, C

Process Capability
Analysis
Using a Control Chart

If a process exhibits statistical control,

then the process capability analysis can
be conducted.
A process can exhibit statistical control,
but may not be capable.