A method of quality control using statistical techniques to monitor and control a process.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) involves the use of control charts to analyze variation in manufacturing processes, aiming to ensure consistency and quality. By detecting and addressing specific types of variation, SPC helps in maintaining the process within set limits, thus reducing waste and improving productivity. It is essential in processes where precision and uniformity are critical, such as in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
In the production of automotive engine components, SPC is used to measure the thickness of a cylinder wall with a target thickness of 10 mm (0.39 inches) ± 0.01 mm (± 0.00039 inches).
This application is common in automotive manufacturing plants to ensure that parts fit together precisely and perform consistently under high stress.
A packaging plant uses SPC to monitor the fill level of bottles to maintain an average fill of 500 mL (16.91 fl oz) with a standard deviation of 1.5 mL (0.05 fl oz).
SPC is applied in beverage manufacturing to ensure each unit meets quality standards without overfilling, which could lead to profit loss.