Measurement system basics poster

Every accept or reject decision is only as good as the measurement behind it. A measurement system (the gauge, the method, the person and the setting) can read off target, give different answers on the same part, differ between people, drift over time or be too coarse for the tolerance. This poster names those problems, lists six checks to make before you measure, and gives the AIAG guideline for judging a gauge R&R study.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 460 KB · no form

Free to print and share with your team. Enter your name and work email once to download.

Measurement system basics poster — 24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

Can you trust the measurement?

Check the gauge and the method before you judge the part.

Bias Reads off target on average. Fix: calibrate.
Repeatability One person, one part, different readings: the gauge.
Reproducibility Different people, different results: the method.
Stability Readings drift over time. Check against a master.

Before you measure

Calibration label in date
Right gauge for the feature
Clean, zeroed, undamaged
Steps no bigger than a tenth of the tolerance
Same method, same point on the part
In doubt? Ask, don't guess.

Gauge R&R: under 10% of the tolerance or variation is acceptable, 10 to 30% may be, over 30% is not.

Terms and guidelines from the AIAG Measurement Systems Analysis manual, 4th edition (2010).

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Measurement system basics poster to work

1
Post it at the gauge crib, the inspection bench and the lab.
2
Use the six checks as the routine before every first-piece and in-process check.
3
When a measurement is in doubt, ask which of the four problems it could be.
4
Pair it with the free MSA workbook, gauge R&R sheet and calibration log.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.

Sources and notes

AIAG, Measurement Systems Analysis Reference Manual, 4th edition (2010): bias, repeatability, reproducibility, stability, the one-tenth resolution guideline and the %GRR acceptance guideline (under 10%, 10 to 30%, over 30%).