Evaluation of Polyurethane Production Quality using Statistical Process Control Approach

Abstract

Manufacturing processes in the recent times prioritizes competitiveness and continuous improvement. This study examined production data from an indigenous polyurethane firm to monitor controllable variables (i.e., density, tensile strength, hardness, compression and elongation) for quality and improve outcomes. Data was subjected to statistical process control (SPC) using control chart methods of analysis. In addition to raising an alarm when a process deviates from control, control charts are crucial for determining internal and natural control limits. An analysis of the data revealed that at the beginning of production, 35DC (27084), 22DC (26543), 18DC (21805), and 16DC (20666) consumed more production material than 14DC (3833). According to the mean value, the majority of the production material is either consumed during the early stages of production or preserved or minimized during the later stages of production. To counteract this irregularity, it is important to pay greater attention to identifying the material that suffocates other production components during the first stages of production. Therefore, for better health outcomes in terms of ergonomics and acceptability and/or comfort (the feel-good factor) during usage, an ideal blend of polyurethane under controlled manufacture is needed.