4. Control Limits For Averages.

UCL(Xbar) and LCL(Xbar) It was pointed out

earlier that common practice is to use a 6-sigma range on control chart+ (3-sigma
on either side of the mean). It would follow, then, that we will need to calculate
a standard deviation in order to establish the limits. This is technically correct
but,again, thanks to others we have tables to turn to which make our calculations
easy. (On the back of the chart in the appendix.) Since we are working with
averages we would need to find the standard deviation of the average values.
Statisticians call this the "standard error of the mean." Statistical theory has
determined that there are relationships which exist between and among the various
averages, ranges, and standard deviations. This has permitted the calcualation of
constants which we can use to calculate the various limits. The following formulas
show how control limits are calculated Upper Control Limit for Averages,
UCL(Xbar) = Xbar + A(2) R Lower Control Limit for Averages, LCL(Xbar) = Xbar -
A(2) R A(2), read A sub-2, is a factor, derived theoretically, for calculating
the limits which permit proper interpretation. The value is dependent on the sample
size and is obtained from the table on the reverse side of the Xbar & R charts
located in the back of this document. It will be noted that the two formulas
are identical except for the + and - signs. Thus, we can multiply A(2) times R bar
and then add it to and subtract it from Xdouble bar to calculate the upper and
lower control limits for the averages. The UCL(Xbar) and LCL(Xbar) are then
shown as dotted lines extending through the length of the plottings. Some
companies use color codes to designate the center lines and the control limits.
Such color schemes have merit in helping persons to understand the charts.
SUMMAR Y Following is a outline form of the steps we have discussed for the
construction of an Xbar & R Chart. 1. Preliminary a. Determine the
characteristic to be studied. b. Determine the frequency of checks
c. Plan a procedure for obtaining random samples. d. Select an appropriate
sample size. e. R eview the gauging or testing equipment to insure
accuracy and to eliminate auxiliary effects. f. Fill out the headings on
the data sheets and the control chart to completely describe the part,
operation, and inspection procedures. 2. As samples are obtained: a.
R ecord the individual measurements on the data sheet. b.
Calculate the Xbar and R for each sample. c. Plot Xbar and R on the
control chart. 3. After 20 or 30 plottings: a. Calculate R bar =
sumR /k. b. Plot R bar on the control chart. c. Calculate the
UCL(R ) and LCL(R ) for ranges. UCL(R ) = D(4) R bar
LCL(R ) = D(3) R bar d. Plot the UCL(R ) and LCL(R ) on the control chart.
e. R emove data outside control limits which can be identified as
assignable causes. f. R ecalculate R bar. g. Calculate Xdouble bar
= sumXbar/k. h. Plot Xdouble bar on the control chart. i.
Calculate the control limits for averages. UCLXbar = Xdouble bar +
A(2) R bar LCLXbar = Xdouble bar - A(2) R bar j. Plot
UCL(Xbar) and LCL(Xbar) on the control chart.