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Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing

Received: 10 October 2024     Accepted: 7 November 2024     Published: 28 November 2024
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Abstract

Proficiency testing (PT) plays a vital role in the plywood manufacturing industry, acting as a quality assurance tool to maintain high standards in product consistency and reliability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PT in identifying and addressing quality issues within plywood production, focusing on three main objectives: assessing PT’s role in uncovering quality problems, analyzing root causes, and proposing targeted solutions for process improvement. The research involved eight laboratories evaluating the Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) of plywood samples, with results statistically analyzed to measure inter-laboratory consistency and identify performance gaps. To ensure reliable testing, the PT samples were prepared in line with IS 303:1989 standards, emphasizing homogeneity and stability. Statistical analyses revealed variability among laboratories, highlighting areas for improvement in material handling and testing protocols. The study found that PT is instrumental for the industry, not only in identifying discrepancies but also in fostering a culture of continuous quality enhancement. Recommendations for improvement include refining the adhesive application, optimizing pressing parameters, ensuring accurate layer alignment, and implementing thorough end-of-line inspections. Quality control measures such as random sampling, supplier audits, and traceability systems are also recommended to maintain consistency. The study advocates for comprehensive employee training and cross-functional collaboration across production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to enhance overall product quality. By addressing critical process variables and leveraging PT as a benchmarking tool, plywood manufacturers can meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. This research underscores the importance of PT in delivering actionable insights for improving product quality and reliability, ultimately supporting the industry’s growth and commitment to safe, high-quality plywood products.

Published in American Journal of Construction and Building Materials (Volume 8, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13
Page(s) 52-61
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Proficiency Testing, Plywood Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Statistical Analysis, Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity, Process Improvement, Quality Control

References
[1] Brown, R., Zhang, Y., & Lee, M. (2022). "Machine Learning in Proficiency Testing: A Modern Approach to Quality Control." Journal of Quality Technology, 35(3), 213-229.
[2] Green, J., & Taylor, S. (2024). "Sustainable Practices in Wood Manufacturing: Trends in Adhesives and Sourcing." Sustainable Manufacturing Review, 18(1), 102-117.
[3] Jones, K., Patel, D., & Thomas, R. (2024). "ISO 13528: 2015 Revisited: Implications for Contemporary Proficiency Testing in Manufacturing." International Journal of Quality Standards, 50(4), 411-425.
[4] Smith, A., & Liu, X. (2023). "Proficiency Testing in Material Quality Assurance: Balancing Regulatory Compliance and Innovation." Materials Testing Journal, 41(2), 99-115.
[5] Thompson, L., & Perez, J. (2023). "Non-Destructive Testing for Plywood Quality Control: A Review of Recent Innovations." Journal of Wood Science and Technology, 45(2), 89-101.
[6] Biswas, S. (2016). Assessment of Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Practices in Indian Plywood Industries – A Case Study. Proceedings of 2nd National Conference on Advances in Business Research and Management Practices.
[7] Amruthasree Rajan, Sajan M P. (2022). A Review on Application of Defect Analysis and Optimization for Quality Control in the Plywood Manufacturing Industry. IRJET Journal, 9(6).
[8] Pensia, L., Dwivedi, G., & Kumar, R. (2021). Non-destructive inspection and quantification of defects in plywood using a portable digital holographic camera. Wood Science and Technology.
[9] Almeida, T. H. de, [Additional Authors]. (2013). Quality Assessment in Industrial Production of Plywood by Stiffness and Strength Properties in Bending. International Journal of Materials Engineering.
[10] Pensia, L., Dwivedi, G. & Kumar, R. (2021). Non-destructive inspection and quantification of defects in plywood using a portable digital holographic camera. Wood Science and Technology, 55, 873–885.
[11] Ei Mu Hlaing, Aung Myo Lwin. (2021). A Study on Analysis of Product Quality Problems in Plywood Production of No (2) Plywood Factory in Myanmar. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), 6(1), 1739-1744.
[12] El Moustaphaoui, A., Chouaf, A., & Kimakh, K. (2021). Experimental and numerical study of the delamination of Ceiba plywood under mode I, mode II and mixed-mode (I + II) loading using the DCB, ELS and MMF tests. International Journal of Fracture, 231(1), 1-20.
[13] Sekino, N., & Korai, H. (2018). The evaluation of long-term mechanical properties of wood-based panels by indoor exposure tests. Journal of Wood Science, 64, 377–389.
[14] Raj, S. S. (2021). Wood-Plastic Composite Processing and Mechanical Characteristics—A Brief Literature Review. In S. K. Natarajan, R. Prakash, & K. Sankaranarayanasamy (Eds.), Recent Advances in Manufacturing, Automation, Design and Energy Technologies (pp. 269-276). Springer, Singapore.
[15] Breyer, R., Cannon, M., Jennings, J., & Ashley, S. (2022). The Value of Transitioning from the Lap Shear to an Internal Bond for Testing Plywood. Forest Products Journal, 72(s1), 29–34.
[16] IS 303: 1989, Plywood for General Purposes.
[17] ISO/ІЕС 17043: 2010. Conformity assessment. General requirements for proficiency testing.
[18] ISO 13528: 2015 Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by inter-laboratory comparison.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Vashishtha, S. (2024). Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing. American Journal of Construction and Building Materials, 8(2), 52-61. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13

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    ACS Style

    Vashishtha, S. Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing. Am. J. Constr. Build. Mater. 2024, 8(2), 52-61. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13

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    AMA Style

    Vashishtha S. Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing. Am J Constr Build Mater. 2024;8(2):52-61. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13,
      author = {Shwet Vashishtha},
      title = {Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
    },
      journal = {American Journal of Construction and Building Materials},
      volume = {8},
      number = {2},
      pages = {52-61},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcbm.20240802.13},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajcbm.20240802.13},
      abstract = {Proficiency testing (PT) plays a vital role in the plywood manufacturing industry, acting as a quality assurance tool to maintain high standards in product consistency and reliability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PT in identifying and addressing quality issues within plywood production, focusing on three main objectives: assessing PT’s role in uncovering quality problems, analyzing root causes, and proposing targeted solutions for process improvement. The research involved eight laboratories evaluating the Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) of plywood samples, with results statistically analyzed to measure inter-laboratory consistency and identify performance gaps. To ensure reliable testing, the PT samples were prepared in line with IS 303:1989 standards, emphasizing homogeneity and stability. Statistical analyses revealed variability among laboratories, highlighting areas for improvement in material handling and testing protocols. The study found that PT is instrumental for the industry, not only in identifying discrepancies but also in fostering a culture of continuous quality enhancement. Recommendations for improvement include refining the adhesive application, optimizing pressing parameters, ensuring accurate layer alignment, and implementing thorough end-of-line inspections. Quality control measures such as random sampling, supplier audits, and traceability systems are also recommended to maintain consistency. The study advocates for comprehensive employee training and cross-functional collaboration across production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to enhance overall product quality. By addressing critical process variables and leveraging PT as a benchmarking tool, plywood manufacturers can meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. This research underscores the importance of PT in delivering actionable insights for improving product quality and reliability, ultimately supporting the industry’s growth and commitment to safe, high-quality plywood products.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
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    AU  - Shwet Vashishtha
    Y1  - 2024/11/28
    PY  - 2024
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    JF  - American Journal of Construction and Building Materials
    JO  - American Journal of Construction and Building Materials
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    AB  - Proficiency testing (PT) plays a vital role in the plywood manufacturing industry, acting as a quality assurance tool to maintain high standards in product consistency and reliability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PT in identifying and addressing quality issues within plywood production, focusing on three main objectives: assessing PT’s role in uncovering quality problems, analyzing root causes, and proposing targeted solutions for process improvement. The research involved eight laboratories evaluating the Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) of plywood samples, with results statistically analyzed to measure inter-laboratory consistency and identify performance gaps. To ensure reliable testing, the PT samples were prepared in line with IS 303:1989 standards, emphasizing homogeneity and stability. Statistical analyses revealed variability among laboratories, highlighting areas for improvement in material handling and testing protocols. The study found that PT is instrumental for the industry, not only in identifying discrepancies but also in fostering a culture of continuous quality enhancement. Recommendations for improvement include refining the adhesive application, optimizing pressing parameters, ensuring accurate layer alignment, and implementing thorough end-of-line inspections. Quality control measures such as random sampling, supplier audits, and traceability systems are also recommended to maintain consistency. The study advocates for comprehensive employee training and cross-functional collaboration across production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to enhance overall product quality. By addressing critical process variables and leveraging PT as a benchmarking tool, plywood manufacturers can meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. This research underscores the importance of PT in delivering actionable insights for improving product quality and reliability, ultimately supporting the industry’s growth and commitment to safe, high-quality plywood products.
    
    VL  - 8
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    ER  - 

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