Use of SPC in Manufacturing of Composite Parts

[xfilesfan]

I work in a factory that manufactures large composite structures using both hand layup and fiber placement machines. We are required by our customer to use SPC, but we are having difficulty idetifying processes where SPC data collection actually helps us make better parts. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[triage]

Are your customers looking for stability, improvements, or just visibility into the process. If they seek an SPC program for improvements, is it in consistancy, quality, reliability ... ?

SPC (Statistical Process Control) can be used to accomplish many different goals.

Can you give more input regarding their motivation behind the request?

 

[Compositepro]

Your customer is looking to tick the box on their form that says you use SPC. Like all quality programs it looks good in theory but rarely leads to net benefits over the previous situation.

It would be in your best interest to project an attitude of enthusiatic compliance. Select a few "key process variables" and record them. Remember, both you and your customer want to see high Cpk.