GAGE R&R

Gage R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) is the amount of measurement variation introduced by a measurement system,
which consists of the measuring instrument itself and the individuals using the instrument. A Gage R&R study is a critical step in
manufacturing Six Sigma projects, and it quantifies three things 1:

1. Repeatability variation from the measurement instrument

2. Reproducibility variation from the individuals using the instrument

3. Overall Gage R&R, which is the combined effect of (1) and (2)

The overall Gage R&R is normally expressed as a percentage of the tolerance for the CTQ being studied, and a value of 20% Gage
R&R or less is considered acceptable in most cases. Example: for a 4.20mm to 4.22mm specification (0.02 total tolerance) on a shaft
diameter, an acceptable Gage R&R value would be 20 percent of 0.02mm (0.004mm) or less.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GAGE R&R

AND ACCUR ACY (BIAS)
A Gage R&R study quantifies the inherent variation in the measurement system, but measurement system accuracy (more specifically
referred to as bias) must be verified through a calibration process. For example, when reading an outdoor thermometer, we might find a
total Gage R&R of five degrees, meaning that we will observe up to five degrees of temperature variation, independent of the actual
temperature at a given time. However, the thermometer itself might also be calibrated ten degrees to the low side, meaning that, on
average, the thermometer will read ten degrees below the actual temperature. The effects of poor accuracy and a high Gage R&R can
render a measurement system useless if not addressed.

Measurement system variation is often a major contributor to the observed process variation, and in some cases it is found to
be the number-one contributor.Remember, Six Sigma is all about reducing variation.

Think about the possible outcomes if a high-variation measurement system is not evaluated and corrected during the Measure phase of
a DMAIC project there is a good chance that the team will be mystified by the variation they encounter in the Analyze phase, as they
search for variation causes outside the measurement system.

Measurement system variation is inherently built into the values we observe from a measuring instrument, and a high-variation
measurement system can completely distort a process capability study (not to mention the effects of false accepts and false rejects from
a quality perspective). The following graph shows how an otherwise capable process (Cpk = 2.0: this is a Six Sigma process) is
portrayed as marginal or poor as the Gage R&R percentage increases:

C O N D U C T I N G A G AG E R & R S T U DY
GR&R studies can be conducted on both variable (gaging that produces data) andattribute (gaging that produces a go/no-go result)
gaging. Prior to conducting a Gage R&R, the following steps/precautions should be taken

Calibrate the gage ensure that the gage is calibrated through its operating range keep in mind that Gage R&R and gage accuracy
are two different things.

Check the gage resolution the gage should have sufficient resolution to distinguish between several values within the tolerance
range of the feature being measured. As a general rule, the gage should be able to distinguish at least ten readings within the tolerance
range. See distinct categories for more information.

Collect samples to be measured its important to collect samples (parts, materials, or whatever is being measured) that represent
the majority of the variation present in the process. Sometimes it is helpful to have inspectors set aside a group of parts that represent
the full spectrum of measurements. Ten samples are considered a good number for a Gage R&R study in a manufacturing environment.

Plan for within-product variation if necessary sometimes the same characteristic can be measured in multiple locations on the
same sample, and in these cases its a good idea to mark the item being measured to indicate where the measurement should take
place. For example, if the diameter of a washer is being measured, the roundness of each washer in the study could affect the Gage
R&R results, so mark the location on each washer where the diameter measurement should be taken. The same guideline applies to
things like color measurements, where within-part color variation can overshadow the measurement systems performance. Once again,
clearly note the location on the sample where the color should be measured.
Identify operators a Gage R&R study can be done with two operators, but a minimum of three operators is recommended for a
meaningful study. Also, make sure that at least one of the operators is an individual who will interpret the gage during normal production
operations.

Document the measurement method and train the operators to follow it this can save the team from having to repeat the study.

Plan for randomization its important to randomize the sequence of measurements (who measures which part, and when), to block
the effects of uncontrollable factors that might otherwise be attributed to specific operators. Each operator should measure each part
three times, so with ten parts a total of 90 measurements will be taken.

G E N E R AT I N G T H E G A G E R & R R E S U LT S
Gage R&R results can be generated using a number of statistical software packages, or with a spreadsheet (see above or go to Excel
files).

Reducing Measurement System Variation

If the Gage R&R is greater than 20% (see guidelines above), then the measurement device and/or the measurement method will need
to be addressed. Seasoned Six Sigma professionals use graphical plots all the time, and we have found a few plots to be very helpful
when studying Gage R&R results:
A word of advice to quality leaders: always ask to see a GR&R study before accepting the results of a process capability study. For an
in-depth review of Gage R & R and overall measurement systems analysis (MSA), purchase a copy of the Automotive Industry Action
Groups MSA guide this is an outstanding publication.