Measurement System Analysis | MSA

Measurement System

Measurement System is the collection of instruments, standards, operations, methods, fixtures, software, inspectors, environment & assumptions used to quantify a unit of measure or fix assessment to the feature characteristics being measured. It is the complete process used to obtain a measurement during measurement system analysis. It is one of the 5 core tools.

Measurement System example :

To measure the ID of a pipe, we need a system that includes:

• Item / Part for checking
• Inspector who will check
• Method to use the instruments
• Environment
• Instruments
• Standard/Drawing

As a result of the activity, we make a decision based on a value that represents the diameter.

Measurement System Analysis (MSA):

MSA primarily deals with consulting the effect of the measurement system on the measured value.
The objective of MSA is to access the quality of the measurement system. We test the system to determine its statistical properties and use them in comparison with accepted standards, our needs & customer requirement.

How to implement a good measurement system?

1. Identify all inspection, measuring & test equipment.
2. Ascertain bias, linearity & stability.
3. Conduct variation study.
4. Provide validity of previous results when measuring instrument is found out of calibration.
5. Ensure handling, preservation, cleaning, maintenance & storage of all instruments.
6. Use all criteria of measurement system analysis.

Measurement System Error Classification:

• Bias
• Stability
• Linearity
• Repeatability
• Reproducibility

Bias:

It is the difference between the observed average of measurement & the reference value.
As a systematic error component of the measurement system.

Stability:

The change of Bias over time is called stability.
A stable measurement process is in statistical control with respect to time.

Linearity:

The change in Bias over the normal operating range. The co-relation of multiple & independent bias errors over the operating range.

Repeatability (Equipment Variation):

Variation in measurements obtained with one measuring instrument when used several times by an Appraiser while measuring the identical characteristics on the same part.
The variation in successive trails under fixed & defined conditions of measurement.
Repeatability is within the system variation.

Reproducibility (Appraisal Variation):

Variation in the average of the measurement made by different appraisers using the same instruments when measuring characteristics on one part.

Reproducibility is between the system variation.

Gauge R & R Acceptance Criteria:

• If % GRR is less than 10%, the system is acceptable.
• If % GRR is between 10% to 30%, the system may be acceptable at the cost of gauge & cost of repair.
• If % GRR is more than 30%, the system needs improvement or corrective action.

Accuracy & Precision:

Accuracy:

Accuracy is how close is the measurement value to the reference value / actual value.

Precision:

Precision is the closeness of repeated readings to each other.

But Accuracy & Precision are not calculated as part of MSA.

Number of distinct category (NDC):

The number of distinct categories tells you how many separate groups of parts the system is able to distinguish.

NDC =  (Part Variation/Gage R&R)*1.41

Standard Table for A2, D3, D4, K1, K2, K3 :

Equipment variation, Appraisal Variation, Repeatability & Reproducibility & Total Variation formula:

MSA Format: