Improving a Manufacturing Process Using Data-Based Methods

Data-based methods and simple graphical analyses can be used broadly to improve quality for manufacturing processes. We provide a case study dealing with the manufacture of stator bars used in electric power generation equipment. We describe the examination of existing data, capability and stability assessment, addressing measurement error, using the preceding evaluations to reduce deviations from target and variability, and subsequent statistical monitoring. Some concluding remarks deal briefly with various further topics, including the importance of a proactive approach. Takeaways and added comments, spread throughout the article, provide further elaboration on or beyond the case study. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.