Conducting a Capability Study:

The purpose of a capability study is to estimate the process average and variation, relative to the specified tolerances. To begin a capability study, identify the product, the characteristic, the tolerances, and the measurement method. Capability studies are frequently performed using 30 consecutively-produced units. If the units for the study are not consecutive, note the times, groupings, and conditions under which the units were produced. Measure the units in time-order-produced if possible, to permit deeper investigation if desired. Enter the tolerance maximum (if applicable) and minimum (if applicable) on the form where shown. Characteristics with only a minimum tolerance are usually "higher is better" characteristics. Characteristics with only a maximum tolerance are usually "lower is better" characteristics. Characteristics with both a maximum and minimum tolerance are usually "nominal is best" characteristics. Some characteristics are special "closer to tolerance is better" characteristics. Examples are speed limits and gear diameters. Determine which direction the characteristic is supposed to be "better," to be able to interpret the capability study. Enter the 30 measurement readings on the form where shown. The template will automatically construct a histogram to visually estimate the shape of the process distribution, relative to the to Note the Cp ratio, which is the ratio of the tolerance width to the width of 6-sigma of process variation. A Cp of less than 1.33 signals trouble staying within the tolerance. A Cp greater than 2.0 signals a good potential to meet the to The Cp ratio is independent of the location of the process average. Processes with off-target averages can still score good Cp If the characteristic has only a one-sided tolerance, the Cp ratio does not apply. Note the Cpk, which is the distance from process average to closest tolerance, divided by 3-sigma. A Cpk of less than 1.33 signals trouble with exceeding the closest tolerance. A Cpk greater than 2.0 signals a good safety mar Both Cp and Cpk are estimates based on random sampling, and are subject to variation from one sample to another sample. Histogram distributions with unexpected shapes deserve investigation. Histograms with unexpected shapes can be caused by process average changes during production, mixing of two or more proc Process capability should be studied in coordination with process control (SPC) in order to evaluate both capability and stability Process capability estimates are misleading if the process is subject to significant special causes (changes in average or variat To avoid producing defects, the process needs BOTH capability AND stability.

to the specified tolerances. measurement method.

der which the units were produced.

characteristics. are speed limits and gear diameters. ret the capability study.

process distribution, relative to the tolerance limits.

ignals a good potential to meet the tolerances. get averages can still score good Cp ratios.

er than 2.0 signals a good safety margin to the closest tolerance. om one sample to another sample.

roduction, mixing of two or more processes, and many other causes. evaluate both capability and stability of the process. causes (changes in average or variation).

Capability Study Instructions: Re-name & save file, delete old data, enter Maximum, Minimum, and up to 30 data readings in Column "B" Part # or SKU#: 124789 Product name: Housing Characteristic name: Flange diameter Specification Maximum: Specification Minimum: Data Reading 1 Data Reading 2 Data Reading 3 Data Reading 4 Data Reading 5 Data Reading 6 Data Reading 7 Data Reading 8 Data Reading 9 Data Reading 10 Data Reading 11 Data Reading 12 Data Reading 13 Data Reading 14 Data Reading 15 Data Reading 16 Data Reading 17 Data Reading 18 Data Reading 19 Data Reading 20 Data Reading 21 Data Reading 22 Data Reading 23 Data Reading 24 Data Reading 25 Data Reading 26 Data Reading 27 Data Reading 28 Data Reading 29 Data Reading 30 Operation #: 20 Operation name: drilling Workstation #: 456123 Histogram Maximum: Coded data point: Histogram Minimum: 0.53096 10 Upper bound cell 20 10.5952381 Upper bound cell 19 0.5276 9.404761905 Upper bound cell 18 8.80952381 Upper bound cell 17 0.52424 8.214285714 Upper bound cell 16 10.5952381 Upper bound cell 15 0.52088 11.19047619 Upper bound cell 14 11.78571429 Upper bound cell 13 10.5952381 Upper bound cell 12 0.51752 11.19047619 Upper bound cell 11 10 Upper bound cell 10 0.51416 12.38095238 Upper bound cell 9 8.80952381 Upper bound cell 8 0.5108 9.642857143 Upper bound cell 7 11.78571429 Upper bound cell 6 11.19047619 Upper bound cell 5 0.50744 8.80952381 Upper bound cell 4 9.702380952 Upper bound cell 3 0.50408 10.29761905 Upper bound cell 2 8.214285714 Upper bound cell 1 0.50072 7.619047619 Lower bound cell 1 7.023809524 10.29761905 10.29761905 Average: 12.97619048 Standard Deviation: -296.547619 Upper 3 Sigma Value: -296.547619 Lower 3 Sigma Value: -296.547619 Cp Index: -296.547619 Cpk: -296.547619 Average to max Person: Shift: Date: 0.5318 0.4982 0.5318 0.53012 0.52844 0.52676 0.52508 0.5234 0.52172 0.52004 0.51836 0.51668 0.515 0.51332 0.51164 0.50996 0.50828 0.5066 0.50492 0.50324 0.50156 0.49988 0.4982 John Smith 1 1/10/05

0.529 0.501 0.515 0.516 0.514 0.513 0.512 0.516 0.517 0.518 0.516 0.517 0.515 0.519 0.513 0.5144 0.518 0.517 0.513 0.5145 0.5155 0.512 0.511 0.51 0.5155 0.5155 0.52

Count above 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 13 18 23 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

Cell Midpoint 0.53096 0.52928 0.5276 0.52592 0.52424 0.52256 0.52088 0.5192 0.51752 0.51584 0.51416 0.51248 0.5108 0.50912 0.50744 0.50576 0.50408 0.5024 0.50072 0.49904

0.515096 0.002475964 0.522523893 0.507668107 1.884787421 1.871863165 0.013904

"# of Sigmas Capability": 2-tail PPM "Traditional": 1-tail PPM "Traditional": PPM "w/1.5 Sigma Shift":

5.6 0.019589323 0.009794662 19.30955567