Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL)
This article covers meaning & overview of Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) from operations perspective.
What is Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL)?
It is defined as the worst quality level in a process that is considered to be acceptable for a product from a given sample size in a particular lot or population size. In other words it is the maximum number of defective goods or non-conformities acceptable for a client in a sample size.
Mathematical Expression
Non Conformities per 100 items is expressed as one hundred times the number of non-conformities in a lot or population divided by lot or population size
100p=100 D/N
Where p= number of non-conformities per item
D=number of non-conformities per item
N=lot or population size
Explanation and Examples
AQL levels differ according to the product you are manufacturing and market you will supply the product.
|
Product |
AQL level (European Standards) |
AQL level (US Standards) |
|
Medical Examination Gloves |
1.5% |
2.5% |
Defect Types
Defects are classified into three major categories which are as follows
Critical Defects
No Critical defects are accepted i.e. AQL 0 as it might result to unsafe conditions or are against mandatory regulatory norms
Major Defects
Reduces the usability of the product. An AQL level 2.5 is acceptable
Minor Defects
It is a defect beyond set quality standards but the product is deemed to be usable. An AQL level 4.0 is acceptable
Hence, this concludes the definition of Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) along with its overview.
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