The purpose of the course is to provide chemists in the coatings industry with the knowledge and skills to apply the statistical design of experiments in formulation and product development.

This hands-on two-day course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of statistical design of experiments through application to real-world examples. Types of designs and appropriate choice of design for specific problems, setting up and executing designed experiments in a cost and time-effective manner, and data analysis through graphical and statistical test methodologies are introduced through lectures and activities.  Statistical software methodologies are demonstrated for the design and analysis of contemporary product development problems.   

The course is designed to provide practical knowledge of the value and appropriate use of statistical design of experiments (DoE) and the ability to implement DoE in the workplace. Instructors have over 20 years of experience in the use of DoE in the polymer industry.  This two-day course will include lectures, hands-on activities, practical examples, development of experimental designs using Minitab software, and data analysis.  Students will receive pre-loaded data drives with notes and worked examples.  At the end of the course, students will be able to design full factorial, fractional factorial experiments, mixture designs, recognize when to use different types of designs, analyze results in Minitab, and make recommendations for next steps.  These skills are useful for the development of new products, redesign of products, problem-solving, and issue resolution. The final afternoon session will provide individualized help and instruction on design projects and alternate types of designs.

Course Outline:

• Introduction to Design of Experiments (DoE) – Advantages and Capabilities;
• Types of Data – Continuous and Attribute;
• Selecting the Design Matrix;
• Identifying Important Quality Characteristics;
• Full Factorial Design;
• Fractional Factorial Design;
• Mixture Design;
• Choosing the Appropriate Design;
• Designing Experiments and Analyzing Results in Minitab;
• Individual Help on Design Projects and Other Types of Designs