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5.5.6: Cause and Effect Diagrams

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    117775
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    Also known as a Fishbone diagram, it was developed by Dr. Ishikawa[7] to help identify the causes of a problem. The overall shape is that of a fish. The pointy end points to the ‘effect’ or the problem. Each of the ribs represents a major cause, or category that is a potential contributor to the problem. Commonly, the rib bones tend to be categories such as the man, method, material, machine, and environment. The actual factors that fall under each category are written on their related rib.

    Factors contributing to defect XXX. An arrow through the middle is labeled Defect XXX. Six lines come off of that arrow (looking like fish bones). They are labeled Measurements (calibration, microscopes, inspectors), Materials (alloys, lubricants, suppliers), Personnel (shifts, training, operators), Environment (humidity, temperature), Methods (angle, engager, brake), and Machines (blade wear, speed).
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Example of a cause and effect diagram; Credit: DanielPenfield / Wikimedia / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F...defect_XXX.svg

    5.5.6: Cause and Effect Diagrams is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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