Centerlining is a method for standardizing and improving manufacturing processes. Companies use this method to identify the machine settings and process parameters that are required to implement a production process as best as possible. They also use centerlining to ensure that machine operators apply these settings.
The goal of centerlining is to stabilize and optimize the performance of a machine or an entire production system. To do this, all key process parameters (e.g. pressure, speed, temperature) are set to their ideal values- the “centerlines“ - and kept there. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the machine parameters according to these centerlines minimizes process variability. This in turn leads to more consistent product quality, lower scrap rates and overall more efficient production.