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How to Understand a Measurement System Analysis

A true MSA measures more than just the gauge

Rick Haynes
Tue, 09/10/2013 - 09:46
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Measurement system analysis of uncertainty is one topic in lean Six Sigma training that is too often ignored or under-taught. I believe that it is under-taught because most instructors have never used or understood it. Therefore, this column will dive deep into what it is and why you should learn about it. Keep in mind that this methodology is not for destructive sampling or attribute or classification gauges. It only works on measurement systems that allow remeasuring of the same sample and reporting a continuous value for the measurement output.

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Measurement system analysis or gauge study

I first learned about this topic as a measurement system analysis (MSA). The term “gauge study” is only one element of the process, but many consider gauge study and MSA to be synonyms. MSA is probably the best term for the concept because its title implies measuring more than just the gauge. A true MSA includes estimating the impact of the gauge, the fixturing or setup of the gauge, the operator, and the variation over time.

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Submitted by umberto mario tunesi on Tue, 09/17/2013 - 08:21

MSA

MSA is probably one of the least understood and one of the most abused of investigation methods on reliability of measuring systems: I've seen it carried out on destructive measurements, by laboratory technicians instead of line operators only because Registrars' auditors request it. Even when the system is evidently stable, third party auditors request MSA be carried out once a year, at a company's great expense of time and money. And we are talking of auditors as graduated engineers, not of common laymen. It is therefore no wonder that companies' metrologists seldom care for it: once the output is within specs, it's cooked and ready for serving.

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Submitted by Peter Frankovic on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 04:35

Percentage of acceptability

I have a book from Dr. Wheeler Evaluating the Measurement Process III and I fully agree with his opinion about percentages of acceptability of measurement system. In short these percentages are deteriorating the measurement system. If the measurement system is stable, predictable and consistent validated by process behavior charts, I will not say that MSA with R&R = 35% is unacceptable. Depends on use. One of the purpose of measurement system is to be able to track process changes and for that is MSA with R&R = 50% still enough. I work in a machinery company with lots of single-purpose process measures and with this approach we should scrap half of them and then stop the lines. Unfortunately our customers request this approach because they are widely using AIAG studies as a Holy Bible which is unfortunately wrong.

I propose to read Dr. Wheeler´s article "Problems with Gauge R&R Studies" here on Quality Digest for more information and for different view. http://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/twitter-ed/problems-gauge-rr-studies.html

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