Week 2

During the second second week I helped collect data to run D.O.E analysis. I was assigned the task of collecting samples of five to ten shots of a smaller model of seals (each consisting of 64 numbered plastic battery seals) by sorting them out from a box of 75,000 seals. The shots were then taken to the quality control lab where I measured the dimensions using a laser micrometer and performed burst testing and calculated the moisture level on each seal. The data collected were put into Minitab, which generated graphs and statistical analysis using the measurements and we can use that information to not only located errors in the production but also the source and solution. The data I collected ended up having no correlation, the trends were deemed completely random by the computer. It was quite disheartening.

Quality control is crucial in battery production. The seals that are produced in this facility are installed in batteries to prevent them from exploding. Each aspects of the finished products must meet specific standards and any faults (even cosmetic) leads to the rejection of the entire batch. In the quality control department, the seals are examined with detail and precision using extremely accurate equipment. Ensuring the products are on par with standards is a constant task, even machines make mistakes.