Case Studies and White Papers


DOE for Coatings

Published: August 2006
Authors: Mark Anderson, Patrick Whitcomb

This article provides an introduction to design of experiments (DOE) for improvement of coatings processes and formulations. It includes a case study on a spin-coater.

Publication: Coatings Technology Handbook, 3rd Edition

Published: February 2006
Author: Shari Kraber

This paper demonstrates response surface methods (RSM) that build on subject-matter knowledge to objectively fine-tune processes to a sweet spot where all specifications are met. The RSM tools for design and analysis of experiments is illustrated by a case study on process improvement for a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) .

Publication: Adhesives and Sealants Industry

Application of Design of Experiment (DOE) Techniques to Process Validation in Medical Device Manufacture

Published: February 2006
Authors: D. Dixon, J. Eatock, B.J. Meenan

This paper provides an overview of DOE, including response surface methods (RSM), applied to medical-device process validation. It provides two practical examples of manufacturing application. The benefits of this multi-factor approach to medical-device validation are spelled out in a convincing manner.

Publication: Journal of Validation Technology

University & Industry Collaboration to Solve Welding Quality Problem Using Design of Experiments (DOE)

Published: January 2006
Authors: David Gore, Donald Langston

A local automotive seat supplier experienced a major quality problem in the fabrication of the metal seat frame used for the front bucket seats of automobiles. DOE was used to help solve the quality problem.

Publication: 2006 CIEC Conference

Using Simulation Software for Design of Experiment Training

Published: January 2006
Author: Mark Rusco

Design of Experiments (DOE) is an intrinsically hands-on topic; teaching students to apply the techniques in a classroom setting can be difficult. Especially difficult are students with differing backgrounds, for example, adult students that work full time in various industries but come together in the classroom. Finding examples that everyone can relate to is nearly impossible, so why not try a video game?

Publication: Quality Magazine

Pilot-to-Production Requires Design of Experiments to Unclog Herbicide

Published: January 2006
Author: David Long

The introduction of Aventis CropScience's herbicide should have been a routine pilot-to-production transfer, but an there was a problem: the new herbicide clogged spray application equipment. Scientists initiated a series of designed experiments to analyze how diverse factors in the system were interacting.

Using Design of Experiments to Assess Escherichia Coli Fermentation Robustness

Published: October 2005
Authors: Arun Tholudur, Todd Sorensen, Xiaoyue Zhu, Scot Shepard

Aided by DOE, scientists at Diosynth Biotechnologies established critical parameters and their acceptable ranges for a fermentation process. The results enabled more flexibility for manufacturing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

Publication: BioProcess International

Trimming the FAT: Part II

Published: September 2005
Author: Mark Anderson

The first article, "Trimming the FAT out of Experimental Methods," presented arguments against one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) techniques in favor of multifactor DOE. This follow-up article offers a case study that illustrates how a two-level factorial DOE can reveal a breakthrough interaction. A similar article appeared in OE (Optical Engineering) magazine.

Publication: Optical Engineering

Trimming the FAT out of Experimental Methods

Published: June 2005
Author: Mark Anderson

This introductory article provides compelling reasons to abandon traditional scientific methods that deploy only one factor at a time (OFAT) in favor of multifactor testing techniques known as design of experiments (DOE). Only via DOE can experimenters detect interactions, which often prove to be the key to success.

Publication: Optical Engineering

PCR Process Optimized via Split-Plot DOE

Published: May 2005
Authors: Patrick Whitcomb, Shari Kraber

This paper illustrates the use of design of experiments (DOE) and split-plot design to quickly and effectively determine the factor settings that maximize amplification in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiment.

Publication: 2005 ASQ World Congress