Planning a gage R&r Studies for all instruments

Acceptance criteria for MSA should be in line with customer-specific requirements (CSR’s). If there is no CSR in this regard, AIAG MSA Manual rev 4 which is a blue book can be used as a reference. About measurement systems analysis; The IATF 16949: 2016 standard requires the following requirements.

7.1.5.1.1 Measurement systems analysis 

Statistical studies shall be conducted to analyze the variation present in the results of each type of inspection, measurement, and test equipment system identified in the control plan. The analytical methods and acceptance criteria used shall conform to those in reference manuals on measurement systems analysis. Other analytical methods and acceptance criteria may be used if approved by the customer. 

Records of customer acceptance of alternative methods shall be retained along with results from alternative measurement systems analysis (see Section 9.1.1.1). 

Note: Prioritization of MSA studies should focus on critical or special product or process characteristics

So as you know, an MSA study must be carried out for each type of instrument specified in the control plan. In other words, MSA is not required if measurement equipment is not defined in the control plan. If any automotive customer, in customer-specific requirements, is stated that there is an obligation to do MSA studies once a year; then MSA studies must be done once a year. But if there is no such request; as long as the measurement device does not change, malfunction or the device is changed; MSA is not required every year.

Briefly, MSA should be for every type of measuring instrument included in the control plan. Better have an MSA plan prepared.It is recommended to start with the critical product and process characteristics.There are also many methods for MSA. There is no only Gauge RR study, there are bias, linearity, stability, short method, ANOVA, GRR, attribute methods, destructive methods, etc. The correct MSA method should be chosen according to the type of measurement system.

For more information, please see the following article:

• How to Establish Measurement System Analysis According to IATF 16949 https://advisera.com/16949academy/blog/2017/11/08/how-to-establish-measurement-system-analysis-according-to-iatf-16949/ 

Hello Mr Firat

which type of MSA is suitable for calipers micrometers comparators smooth pads threads and smooth rings
geometric specifications (coaxiality concentricity) and visual appearance control

thank you so much

There are many different MSA methods. I recommend that you review the blue-covered MSA rev 4 manual published by AIAG or the VDA Volume 5 manual published by VDA.

• For measuring instruments that give a numerical value and can also be influenced by the measuring operator, for example, caliper, micrometer, high caliper, comparators, etc. The GRR method, which is usually 2 or 3 apprisers-10 pieces-2 or 3 repetitions, is used.
• For measuring instruments that cannot give numerical values such as visual, gauge control. Attribute study is used with 50 pieces over 2 or 3 operators with 2 or 3 repetitions
• Nonreplicable, ie for non-repeatable measuring instruments; eg measuring instruments such as hardness test, tensile test, etc. In this case, the "split specimen" method can be used or studies such as bias, stability, linearity, etc. can be done by using a masterpiece.

Hello Dear Mr Firat. Thank you for your very good explanations. Concerning your sentence : "as long as the measurement device does not change, malfunction or the device is changed; MSA is not required every year.", It's something which looks obvious as soon as the equipment is calibrated for example, but I couldn't find it in te MSA 4th edition manual, except mistake from my side. Is it possible to have the chapter or place we can find that inside the manual. This to repply to an Audit question still opened. Thanks in advance. Best Regards.

The issue that MSA should be done every year is not clearly written in the AIAG MSA rev 4 book. If the customer does not have a special requirement in this regard, I request you consider article 7.1.5.1.1 of the IATF 16949 standard. Here it says to prioritize critical parts and measures. In this center, you can make an annual MSA plan and plan it according to importance and criticality.

What about Electrical measuring equipments where human error will not be there?

What about Electrical measuring equipments where human error will not be there?

It would not be correct to carry out the classical Gauge R&R study for measurement systems where human influences and errors do not occur due to the measurer.

Instead, it may be more accurate to perform bias, linearity, and/or stability studies with master samples.