Abstract
Tuning variables represent factory floor manufacturing adjustments commonly used to correct variational noise errors in a product. Some examples are voltage supply adjustments, adjustable links and screws, or shims. This paper presents methods to determine the increased performance and robustness when using different possible manufacturing adjustments. All possible potential tuning adjustments that exist in a design are identified. Given this, the tuning variable model can be used to calculate the reduced product variation when using any of the potential tuning adjustments, including none at all. This process can be used to help select which product variables should be adjusted, based on the increased robustness to noise and the increased difficulty in manufacture. Doing so allows for more robust product performance at reduced manufacturing expense, by allowing the potential adjustment on many different possible variables. This is better than always adjusting the source of the manufacturing errors, which can be expensive.
