A collection of techniques is often an inadequate method to produce consistently high quality product to meet the needs of the jewelry industry. Systematizing techniques into a profile for a manufacturing process is essential to produce flawless product with minimum variation. The significance of characterizing an entire process is discussed along with an examination of quality control techniques to direct the quality of internal and external factors. The use of defect analysis and designed experiments is advanced as the best path to process optimization and continuous improvement. The casting of platinum, due to its inherent difficulties of manufacture, is used as a paradigm for this analysis.

Author: Timothy L. Donohue