• International Journal of Reliability and Applications
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.157-170
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• 2003

In this paper we apply statistical reliability tools to manage and seek improvements in the strengths of medium density fiberboard (MDF). As a part of the MDF manufacturing process, the product undergoes destructive testing at various intervals to determine compliance with customer′s specifications. Workers perform these tests over sampled cross sections of the MDF panel to measure the internal bond (IB) in pounds per square inches until failure. We explore both graphically and statistically this "pressure-to-failure" of MDF. Also, we briefly comment on reducing sources of variability in the IB of MDF.

• International Journal of Reliability and Applications
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.111-124
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• 2007

In this paper, we apply insightful statistical reliability tools to manage and seek improvements in the strengths of Oriented Strand Board (OSB). As a part of the OSB manufacturing process, the product undergoes destructive testing at various intervals to determine compliance with customers' specifications. Workers perform these tests on sampled cross sections of the OSB panel to measure the tensile strength, also called internal bond (IB), in pounds per square inches until failure. Additional stiffness strength tests include parallel and perpendicular elasticity indices (EI), which are taken from cross sectional samples of the OSB panel in the parallel and perpendicular directions with respect to the orientation of the wood strands. We explore both graphically and statistically these "pressure-to-failures" of OSB. Also, we briefly comment on reducing sources of variability in the IB and EI of OSB.

• International Journal of Reliability and Applications
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.153-173
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• 2007

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) are gaining market share in the building industry because of durability/maintenance advantages of WPC over traditional wood products and because of the removal of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated wood from the market. In order to ensure continued market share growth, WPC manufacturers need greater focus on reliability, quality, and cost. The reliability methods outlined in this paper can be used to improve the quality of WPC and lower manufacturing costs by reducing raw material inputs and minimizing WPC waste. Statistical methods are described for analyzing stiffness (tangent modulus of elasticity: MOE) and flexural strength (modulus of rupture: MOR) test results on sampled WPC panels. Descriptive statistics, graphs, and reliability plots from these test data are presented and interpreted. Sources of variability in the MOE and MOR of WPC are suggested. The methods outlined may directly benefit WPC manufacturers through a better understanding of strength and stiffness measures, which can lead to process improvements and, ultimately, a superior WPC product with improved reliability, thereby creating greater customer satisfaction.