QUALITY CONTROL ASSESSMENT OF BODY-MAKING PROCESS IN ALUMINIUM BEVERAGE CAN PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study focused on the analyses of the quality control process of aluminium beverage can production (sleek size – 330 ml) monitored over a period of time, by deploying six key parameters: Bright Can Axial Load, Finished Can Height, Flange Width, Groove Diameter after Reformer, Dome Depth with Reformer, and Finished Can Buckle. These parameters revolve around the standardization and specification of the beverage can for a sustainable food packaging process. The study employed Statgraphics Centurion (version VII) as a statistical tool for analyzing process stability and capability through Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques. This software generated control charts (X-bar charts) and process capability indices (Cp and Cpk) to evaluate process performance and identify areas requiring improvement. Descriptive statistical measures such as process mean and standard deviation were calculated to support the analysis. The methodology also included thoroughly evaluating production line data, with variations in each quality parameter assessed against defined specification limits. Results indicate that the Bright Can Axial Load has a moderate capability (Cp = 0.82, Cpk = 0.75) with a slightly off-center mean. Also, the Finished Can Height show low capability (Cp = 0.30, Cpk = 0.25), indicating significant variability. Flange Width has moderate capability (Cp = 0.43, Cpk = 0.43), while Groove Diameter after Reformer presents a Cp of 0.60 but a very low Cpk of 0.06, reflecting a misaligned process mean. In addition to this, Dome Depth with Reformer shows moderate capability (Cp = 0.53, Cpk = 0.23), needing better centering. Finished Can Buckle demonstrates the highest capability (Cp = 1.63, Cpk = 0.74) with a slightly off-center mean. The findings imply that aligning process means with specification limits and reducing variability will ensure consistent, high-quality aluminium production. Thus improving the operation process and subsequent improvement in the overall productivity of aluminium beverage cans.