Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Design of Experiments

If you are new to DOE and would like to read more, there are very good primers at Six Sigma Tools and Templates, MoreStream.com, and ASQ.com: What is Design of Experiments (DOE)? If you have downloaded the “Engineering Statistical Handbook” and software mentioned in my second column, then you can go to Sections 1.3.3.12 or 4.3.1 “What is design of experiments (DOE)?” and practice the case studies.

If you take advice from others, then the one thing you should do is to download the Engineering Statistics Handbook and software from NIST: http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/stoc.htm.

 I cannot guarantee that it will be available for long, so take advantage of it now. Next, read the Handbook and do the case studies to learn more about engineering statistics—the time will be well spent!  Even if you have statistical software at work, your next job may not. Download DATAPLOT and you will have one at home. Additional articles and references are at the end of this column.

References and Further Reading

1. NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods

2. Plackett, R.L., and Burman, J. P. “The Design and Optimum Multifactorial Experiments,” Biometrika, Vol. 33, pp 305–325 (1946).

3. Vandenbrande, Willy. Shainin: A Concept for Problem Solving, Shainin Conference, Amelior Hotel, Dec. 2009.

4. Murphy, Thomas, Jr. “Design and analysis of industrial experiments,” Chemical Engineering, June 6–1977, pp.168–182.

5. Feller, J. “Design experiments that control two or more variables at once,” Industrial Research & Development, July 1983, pp 94–95.

6. Geremia, J.O. “Test Less, Learn More,” Machine Design, Sept. 8, 1977, pp 110–115.

7. Anderson, L.B. “How to Apply Statistics In Design of Experiments,” Chemical Engineering, Aug.5, 1963, pp 113–116.

8. Anderson, L.B. “Factorial Design of Experiments,” Chemical Engineering, Sept. 2, 1963, pp 99–105.

Happy Holden has worked in printed circuit technology since 1970 with Hewlett-Packard, NanYa/Westwood, Merix, Foxconn and Gentex. Currently, he is the co-editor, with Clyde Coombs, of the Printed Circuit Handbook, 7th Ed. To contact Holden, click here.

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