The Case of the Variable Laminates
The Case of Variable Laminates
Name
Grantham University
Abstract
A plywood manufacturer has tasked me with finding a solution to their problem regarding the inconsistency of their laminate cutting process. In order to find out where the problem lies, I will use an experimental design. Experimental design is a formal plan that details the specifies for conducting an experiment, such as with responses, factors, levels, blocks, treatments and tools to be used (Sower, 2011, p. 155). Various experiments will be conducted at the different stages of the production cycle to find the problem.
The Case of the Variable Laminates
In the selected case study the laminate manufacturer is having trouble maintaining the thickness of the laminate. My task is to design an experiment that will make the laminate thickness consistent at every cutting.
Below are the steps the manufacturer uses during the log peeling operation:
1. Soaking barked logs in hot bath.
2. Fixing the logs in the chuck.
3. Rapid spinning of the logs while the laminate is peeled with a sharp knife blade.
4. Once the laminate is peeled, it is laid-up, glued and pressed into plywood sheets.
During this manufacturing process the following independent variables and dependent variables influence the consistency of the laminate thickness.
Independent Variables
Dependent Variable
Soak time
Soak temperature
Knife pressure
Knife setting
Thickness of laminate In experimental investigation each independent variable that is assumed to influence the dependent variable of interest is called factor (Sower, 2011, p. 155). There are four independent variables and one dependent variable in this scenario. The following experiment can be used to find the best combination of input variables for the best outcome of the experiment:
Process
Soak Time (Minutes)
Soak Temperature (Degrees)
Knife Pressure (psi)
Knife Setting
Outcome
1
60
150
250
Based on Experience
--
2
30
150
300
Standard
--
Name
Grantham University
Abstract
A plywood manufacturer has tasked me with finding a solution to their problem regarding the inconsistency of their laminate cutting process. In order to find out where the problem lies, I will use an experimental design. Experimental design is a formal plan that details the specifies for conducting an experiment, such as with responses, factors, levels, blocks, treatments and tools to be used (Sower, 2011, p. 155). Various experiments will be conducted at the different stages of the production cycle to find the problem.
The Case of the Variable Laminates
In the selected case study the laminate manufacturer is having trouble maintaining the thickness of the laminate. My task is to design an experiment that will make the laminate thickness consistent at every cutting.
Below are the steps the manufacturer uses during the log peeling operation:
1. Soaking barked logs in hot bath.
2. Fixing the logs in the chuck.
3. Rapid spinning of the logs while the laminate is peeled with a sharp knife blade.
4. Once the laminate is peeled, it is laid-up, glued and pressed into plywood sheets.
During this manufacturing process the following independent variables and dependent variables influence the consistency of the laminate thickness.
Independent Variables
Dependent Variable
Soak time
Soak temperature
Knife pressure
Knife setting
Thickness of laminate In experimental investigation each independent variable that is assumed to influence the dependent variable of interest is called factor (Sower, 2011, p. 155). There are four independent variables and one dependent variable in this scenario. The following experiment can be used to find the best combination of input variables for the best outcome of the experiment:
Process
Soak Time (Minutes)
Soak Temperature (Degrees)
Knife Pressure (psi)
Knife Setting
Outcome
1
60
150
250
Based on Experience
--
2
30
150
300
Standard
--
References: Sower, V. E. (2011). Essentials of Quality: with cases and experiential exercises. USA: John Wiley& Sons.