PROCEDURE CAPABILITY

MEASURERMENT

Date:
Version no:
Replaces:
Issued by:

2010-10-28
2
1
Anders Persson

About this procedure

The capability test allows to assure and secure a continuous, stable and correct running
manufacturing. We test the ability of the process to produce products that are within
specifications. The calculated capability index tells how big that security is. A capability index
of 1 means that 99.73% probably lies within the specification (explanation in attachment 1).
A higher index means that more pieces lies within the specification. Weight is quick and a
valuable measurement but also e.g. dimensions can be measured.

Demands
A minimum demand is always to measure the shot weight.
T-final, zero serie, master sample/s

Machine capability

Cm, Cmk >=1.67

Series production

Process capability

Cp, Cpk >=1.33

Table 1: examples

Machine capability, Cm and Cmk

The demand is Cm, Cmk >=1.67.
The machine/mould/equipment is tested without consideration to the variations (shift
changes, material batches etc.) on a longer time perspective. It is measured as we study a
process at one moment in time. It shall be used according to the summary below. It can also
be used at a mould test or trouble shooting. This condition is valid as we have a target
value decided (e.g. decided process optimized article weight).
a) Cm, machine capability. Cm assesses the width of the process spread in comparison to
the width of the specification.
An example of use for IKEA
a. as a basic parameter setting is done for:
i. a new article
ii. a change of article or
iii. a major other adjustment
and the article is according to requirements, then we run a capability test with Cm. The
average shot weight shall be used as target weight for the Cmk, Cpk. The average
weight for the article from this test is the one that shall be stated in the supplier index.

b) Cmk, machine capability index. Cmk takes in to consideration both how great the
spread of the process is and the position of the process. This condition is valid as we
have a target value decided (e.g. decided average shot weight).
The procedure is as follows:
1. Make a continuous 50 part sampling and weigh them in chronological order.
2. During the test no stops or changes of parameter settings are allowed.
3. Make a capability calculation in accordance with IKEA Capability study form.
4. Capability results and conclusions must be documented.

IKEA of Sweden AB 2011

Page 1 (4)

PROCEDURE CAPABILITY
MEASURERMENT

Date:
Version no:
Replaces:
Issued by:

2010-10-28
2
1
Anders Persson

Process capability, Cp and Cpk

The demand is Cp, Cpk >=1.33
Process capability means that we continuously study the capability for a running production.
The demand is lower compared to Cm, Cmk with respect to variations such as different
shifts, start, stops etc. Changes to steer the process are allowed. It shall be used according
to the summary below.
1. Cp (process capability). Cp assesses the width of the process spread in comparison to
the width of the specification.
2. Cpk (corrected process capability). Cpk takes in to consideration both how great the
spread of the process is and the position of the process. This condition is valid as we
have a target value decided (e.g. decided average shot weight).
Formulas
Cm, Cp: (UTL-LTL) / 6 sigma
Shows if the distribution fits within the specification.
Cmk, Cpk: (UTL-x) / 3
(x-LTL) / 3
The medium value is the one valid.
Shows if the average is centrally located.
(Upper Tolerance Limit)
(Lower Tolerance Limit)

Some different cases are shown in attachment 2 and 3.

Conditions
1. Molding parameters have been defined, applied and documented (parameter setting).
2. A weight scale with four significant digits is available and calibrated. Right environment
for measuring the weight is crucial. Examples that can affect the measurement can be air
flow and vibrations.
3. The test is done on continuous manufacturing i.e. the process have been running for at
least 2 hours and temperature (barrel and mold) have reached a stable level.

IKEA of Sweden AB 2011

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PROCEDURE CAPABILITY
MEASURERMENT

Date:
Version no:
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Attachment 1, cases of Cm, Cp positions

Attachment 2, cases of Cm, Cp positions

IKEA of Sweden AB 2011

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2010-10-28
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1
Anders Persson

PROCEDURE CAPABILITY
MEASURERMENT

Date:
Version no:
Replaces:
Issued by:

Attachment 3, cases of Cmk, Cpk position

IKEA of Sweden AB 2011

Page 4 (4)

2010-10-28
2
1
Anders Persson