Statistical Process Control (SPC) for Operators

Course Length: 8 hours (typical)

This course offers applications of the SPC techniques that are an integral part of the corporate-wide quality control effort. Participants are introduced to the concept of variation and how it can be used as a powerful tool in quality control activities.  

The course also provides practical learning of measuring systems for accuracy, reproducibility, repeatability, and when SPC is appropriate. Types of control charts include Xbar-R, X-moving R, P, C, nP, and U charts.  The Shewhart analysis is presented via examples and understanding of the statistical significance of each out-of-control condition.  

Participants will work in teams in hands-on practical exercises that demonstrate the relationship between sigma levels, Cp, and Cpk values.

Typical Course Outline:

• Improving Quality
  • Meeting customer needs
  • What is variation?
  • Control strategies
  • In specification vs. on target
• The Histogram
  • Measure the variation of a process
  • Mean, median, range, and standard deviation
  • The normal distribution (bell curve)
  • Interpreting patterns of variation in a histogram
• The Control Chart
  • Introduction to control charts
  • Understanding control limits
  • Control limits vs. spec limits
  • Variable control charts
    • X bar R
    • X bar S
    • Median and R
    • X and MR
    • Cusum charts
  • Attribute control charts
  • Interpreting control charts
    • Normal variation
    • Special cause vs. common cause
    • Definition of control
    • What is out of control?
    • Out of control conditions – when to react
• Process Capability
  • Why study Capability?
  • Specifications
  • Measurement systems
  • Definition of capability
  • Measuring capability
    • Sigma
    • Cp
    • Cpk
    • Cp and PPM rate
  • Summary and Wrap-up

All APS courses are on-site workshops conducted our clients’ facilities. The course content may be customized to fit your specific needs. For a free quote or for more information on this course, email us at [email protected] or call Greg Pancerev at 610-987-4054.