Establishing Multivariate Specification Regions for Incoming Materials

Abstract

We present a methodology for establishing meaningful multivariate specification regions on incoming materials or components. The approach uses multivariate PLS regression models to extract information from databases and to relate the properties of incoming materials, and the process variables, to the quality measures on the customer's product. The specification regions are multivariate in nature and are defined in the latent variable space of the PLS model. However, they are easy to implement in practice, and they can provide much insight into what constitutes acceptable material. The approach is illustrated using a simulated process, and is then used to establish multivariate specification regions for polymer resin properties in an industrial film process.

• Multivariate Analysis
• Partial Least Squares
• Quality Control

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carl Duchesne

Dr. Duchesne is a Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department. His email address is [email protected].

John F. MacGregor

Dr. MacGregor is a Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department and in the McMaster Advanced Control Consortium. He is a Member of ASQ. His email address is [email protected].