Utilizing design of experiments to evaluate door closer design changes

This project addresses two problems. First, steel prices are increasing and creating higher door closer production costs. Second, management believes physical inventory costs are too high. Experimental design is used to research the feasibility of aluminum as an alternate construction material and evaluate replacing two hydraulic oils with a new oil formulation.; Calibration certificates were used to verify all measurement systems. Parts were produced from the same material lots and on production equipment to reduce unknown variation sources. Metrology equipment confirmed test components met design specifications.; Statistical software was used to evaluate experimental results. Test data analysis indicates aluminum performed equally to steel in these door closer applications and the new hydraulic oil fulfills specification requirements of two hydraulic oils used in assembly operations.; Conclusions. Aluminum is a suitable alternate construction material and the new hydraulic oil can replace two production oils.