What does a higher Cpk value signify?

A higher Cpk value signifies that a process is more capable of producing products that meet specifications consistently. The Cpk index, or process capability index, measures how well the process can produce output within specified limits, taking into account both the process variability and how centered the process is relative to the target values.

When the Cpk value is high, it indicates that the process is not only producing within the specification limits, but it is also doing so with a minimal spread of variation. This means the likelihood of producing defectives is low, which aligns with the goal of achieving quality control in manufacturing processes. Essentially, a higher Cpk suggests that the process operates efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the majority of produced items are within the desired quality parameters.

The effectiveness of quality control often hinges on understanding and interpreting Cpk values, as higher values denote better process performance and capability, ultimately leading to higher product quality and customer satisfaction.