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Supplement to Chapter 17 Statistical process control (SPC) 531<br />

Control limits for the range chart (R) were calculated as follows:<br />

UCL = D 4 × A<br />

= 2.282 × 6<br />

= 13.69<br />

LCL = D 3 A<br />

= 0 × 6<br />

= 0<br />

After calculating these averages and limits for the control chart, the company regularly<br />

took samples of four bottles during production, recorded the measurements and plotted<br />

them as shown in Figure S17.9. The control chart revealed that only with difficulty could<br />

the process average be kept in control. Occasional operator interventions were required.<br />

Also the process range was moving towards (and once breaking) the upper control limit.<br />

The process seemed to be becoming more variable. After investigation it was discovered<br />

that, because of faulty maintenance of the line, skin cream was occasionally contaminating<br />

the torque head (the part of the line which fitted the cap). This resulted in erratic<br />

tightening of the caps.<br />

Figure S17.9 The completed control form for GAM’s torque machine showing the mean (X¯ ) and range (R¯ )<br />

charts

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