Statistical Techniques to Control and Improve
Quality in the Textile Industry: Application on
Blankets and Nappa
The textile industry and the statistical control of quality have evolved
with the different industrial revolutions. The technological capacity of many
textile firms is very high yet they use statistical techniques very little, as they
are seen as being very difficult, unnecessary and costly. This thesis aims to
change this way of thinking and demonstrate some of the advantages of using
statistics in decision-making and improving product and process quality.
In order to achieve our aim, we must first take a look at how much
science is used in the industry, and especially in some areas of the Valencian
Region. These geographical areas will later be the focus of our proposals.
This analysis will provide us with the necessary information to aim research
at two different types of products; on one hand, home textiles - the products
traditionally produced in the region, and technical products, which represent
an opportunity to innovate.
The first proposal aims to add value to traditional products by using
sensorial analysis techniques to control the quality of the article during the
production process and to define the sensorial characteristics which set it
apart from its competitors. This proposal is for bed blankets.
The second proposal aims to make it easier to innovate using technical
materials by providing the necessary tools to carry out orderly, systematic
experiments to be able to analyse and make decisions more objectively and
efficiently. This proposal is applied to technical products that are made by
blending different types of fibres. The case study consists of optimising nappa
obtained by fusion according to what it is going to be used for. First of all
experiments with mixtures are used. Once the experiment phase has been
carried out, the nappa is modelled using PLS (Partial Least Square) and the
results are optimised using the desirability function.
These contributions aim to act as a tool to bring the scientific knowledge
generated at the University closer to local business reality and to commit to
improvements and innovation in the textile industry.