Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)
Purpose: Provide the student with the opportunity to practice concepts for Control

Charts using Variable data with a hands-on exercise.

Materials:
Laboratory Handout
Minitab Software
Digital Caliper

Single-Hole Paper Press

Triple-Hole Paper Press

Construction Paper

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)

Background:
Variable control charts are used to monitor numerical quality characteristics (dimension,
volume, weight). Usually the mean and variability are monitored simultaneously. One
way to monitor both mean and variability is maintaining X-Bar and R-Charts for each
quality characteristic of interest. The formulas to calculate control limits in X-Bar and RCharts are as follows:

Where;

and

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)
m = number of rational subgroups in the analysis.
The rational subgroup concept means that subgroups or samples should be selected
so that if assignable causes are present, chance for differences between subgroups
will be maximized, while chance for difference due to assignable causes within a
subgroup will be minimized.
Equations showed before are trial control limits and are determined from m initial
samples; typically 20-25 subgroups of size n between 3 and 5. Any out-of-control
points should be examined for assignable causes. If assignable causes are found,
discard points from calculations and revise the trial control limits. Continue
examination until all points plot in control and finally adopt resulting trial control
limits for use. Analyze control charts to determine any patterns that may identify
underlying process problems.

Instructions
1. Create a table with the following headings:
Rational
Subgroup

Sample
1

Operator

2. Using the Single-Hole Paper Press and construction paper create 25 rational
subgroups using a sample size of 5 of construction paper circles.
3. Measure the diameter of the resulting circles using the digital caliper and record
your readings and name of person taking the reading in table described in step 1.
4. Rotate tasks (making holes, measuring holes, and taking readings) within
students participating in the laboratory exercise every 5 subgroups.
5. Using steps 1 and 2 in Minitab Instruction Section create X-bar and R chart for
your data.
6. Using the Triple Hole Paper Press collect 15 additional subgroups.
7. Using step 3 in Minitab Instruction Section include these 15 subgroups to your
analysis in Minitab.
8. Report should include the following:
a. Abstract/Summary
b. Introduction
c. Experimental Procedure
d. Results: Data, figures, graphs, tables, etc.
e. Discussion
i. Include your answers to the following questions
1. Using the data collected calculate the control limits
manually

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)
2. Is the process in statistical control in step 5? Explain your
answer.
3. Eliminate any out-of-control point and recalculate control
limits. Provide your justification for the eliminated points.
4. Calculate the error for your control chart. What does
this value mean? How many points will be plotted in the
control chart until the first false alarm?
5. Is the process in statistical control in step 7? Explain your
answer?
6. Estimate the new mean and calculate the error for that
situation. How many points will be plotted in the control
chart until shift is detected?
f. Conclusions
Be aware of spelling, grammar and sentence structure; appearance and formatting.
Show all calculations to obtain full credit.

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)
Minitab Instructions
Step 1

Step 2

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)

Step 3

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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Laboratory #4: Control Charts for Variable Data

(X-bar and R)

Referencies

Montgomery, Douglas C., Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 6th Edition, Wiley &
Sons
Minitab User Manual

Prof. Segundo Castro G.

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