Design of Experiment for Gauge Capability and Comparison of Variability for Discrete and Scanning Methods of Obtaining Data

Gauge repeatability and reproducibility are becoming a versatile tool for determining the effectiveness or adequacy of manual and automatic measuring systems. The knowledge of variation is essential as variation is inherent in every measurement process and is sometimes unpredictable. Understanding and controlling variation in measurement systems is critical to reducing variability. This paper presents a design of an experiment to analyze gauge capability and uses the same designed experiment to test and compare the variation for two automatic measurement systems. Three factors were determined as a starting point and were compared at two levels. The test results were analyzed using the expanded ANOVA method in Minitab. Significant conclusions were drawn out and a recommendation for further work is suggested.