1. Capability

The concept of capability makes it possible to define whether all the results obtained for a given characteristic are within the specified tolerances, for all the parts produced.

It applies to a characteristic for a given part and a given manufacturing process or process parameter.

The terms "capability" and "variability" are often confused. The concept of variability covers all results obtained for a given characteristic.

Capability is data that can be used directly by the requester to ensure the "conformity of a product characteristic".

Variability is data that can be used by the supplier to determine whether a request can be met by looking at what has already been done.

Capability and variability are used to :

• define...