MIL-STD-105 Sampling Scheme

Sampling plans are usually selected for given quality levels such as AQL, , LQL,
and . The selected plan will have to be repeatedly used for each of the submitted lots
if the quality levels remain unchanged. If the quality history is good, as evidenced by
consecutive lot acceptances, then it may be desirable to reduce the amount of
inspection. If the quality history is found to be bad more lot re!ections", then it is
essential to tighten the inspection either by increasing the sample si#e or reducing the
acceptance numbers. A specific plan selected for given quality levels has no
mechanism to ad!ust according to the observed quality history. In such situations, the
use of more than one plan is desirable with an associated rule for using each plan.
An acceptance sampling scheme is a specific set of procedures which usually consists
of acceptance sampling plans in which lot si#es, sample si#es, and acceptance criteria,
or the amount of $%%& inspection, are related. Such schemes typically contain rules
for switching from one plan to another. 'IL(ST)($%* + $,-," is an e.ample for a
sampling scheme.
A normal inspection plan is the plan used when the process is considered to be
operating at, or slightly better than, the AQL.
A tightened inspection plan is a plan for using stricter acceptance criteria than those
used in normal inspection.
A reduced inspection plan is a plan which permits smaller sample si#es than those
used in normal inspection.
The main ob!ective of using tightened inspection is to e.ert pressure on the producer
when the quality is poorer than the AQL by introducing a higher rate of re!ection.
/hen the level of the submitted quality is sufficiently good, reduced inspection offers
sampling economy. 0or e.ample, consider the following single sampling plans having
three different inspection intensities.

1ormal2 n 3 $4*, Ac 3 $, 5e 3 4
Tightened2 n 3 4%%, Ac 3 $, 5e 3 4
5educed2 n 3 *%, Ac 3 %, 5e 3 $
These plans can be operated in a sampling scheme provided that there are rules for
switching between them.
'IL(ST)($%* + $,-," is an AQL inde.ed standard. 6ere, the AQL is defined as the
percent defective or the ma.imum number of defects per $%% units" that for the
purposes of sampling inspection, is considered satisfactory as a process average.
'IL(ST)($%* + contains three inspection intensities namely, normal, reduced and
tightened plans. Single, double and multiple sampling plans are available, and plans of
same inspection level are matched. This means that one may use single, double or
multiple sampling plans depending on the sampling economy or reduction in
comple.ity required, giving the same level of protection to the producer or consumer.
In order to implement the switching rules, a table of limit numbers for reduced
inspection is also available. The scheme also contains supplementary tables and
graphs of limiting quality values, 78 curves, AS1 curves for double and multiple
sampling plans which are not contained in this Study 9uide. The essential tables are
Lot si#e ( sample si#e code letters.
'aster tables for single sampling ( normal, reduced and tightened :
tables".
'aster tables for double sampling ( normal, reduced and tightened :
tables".
'aster tables for ;(stage multiple sampling ( normal, reduced and
tightened : tables".
Limit numbers for reduced inspection.
0or reduced plans the final stage ones for double and multiple plans", 5e does not
equal Ac<$. A result between Ac and 5e signals a switch to normal inspection. 0or
e.ample, consider the reduced inspection single sampling plan for 8ode =, AQL3$&,
namely n 3 *%, Ac 3 $ and 5e 3 >. /hile on reduced inspection, if two defectives are
found the lot will be accepted but a switch to normal inspection will ta?e place.
The following steps are recommended for obtaining a sampling scheme from 'IL(
ST)($%* + tables. )ecide on the AQL.
$. )ecide on the type of sampling plan single or double or ;(stage multiple".
4. )ecide on lot si#e.
:. 7btain the sample si#e code letter for Level II of 9eneral Inspection Level or
any other designated level" for given lot si#e.
>. 5efer to the appropriate master tables to obtain the required normal, tightened
and reduced plans using the AQL and the sample si#e code letter found in Step
>.
*. 7btain the limit numbers for reduced inspection using the AQL and the
number of sample units for the last $% lots.
@. Ase Appendi. A>.> to get the switching rules.
;. 7btain the other relevant performance measures such as LQ, AS1, A7Q and
ATI curves not available in the Study 9uide"
Example2
To obtain the 'IL(ST)($%* + scheme for the desired AQL of %.@*& and lot si#e
4%%%, one proceeds as follows2
Step $2 AQL 3 %.@*.
Step 42 single sampling.
Step :2 lot si#e 3 4%%%.
Step >2 sample si#e code letter 3 K.
Step *2 'aster tables yield2
normal inspection plan n 3 $4* Ac 3 4 5e 3 :.
tightened inspection plan n 3 $4* Ac 3 $ 5e 3 4.
reduced inspection plan n 3 *% Ac 3 $ 5e 3 :.
Step @2 Limit number for reduced inspection 3 > for AQL 3 %.@* and the number of
sample units for $% lots 3 $4*%.
Steps ; B -2 8onsult 'IL(ST)($%* + or A1SICASQ8 D$.> standard tables.
The scheme starts with normal inspection for the first lot and the switching rules shall
apply from then on. If one fails to apply the switching rules and uses only normal
plans, protection to the consumer will be lost. 8onsulting supplementary tables and
graphs of the standard may also be necessary in order to have some idea of the AS1,
A7QL etc.
'IL(ST)($%* + contains 78 curves for individual sampling plans only. The 78
curve of the scheme, ie the steady state or composite 78 curve after implementing the
switching rules, is not available in the standard.
The civilian version of the 'IL(ST)($%* + is the international standard2 IS7
4-*,2$,-*(,$ also ES Eritish Standards Institution"2 @%%$2$,-,(,$", Sampling
Procedures for Inspection by Attributes which corresponds to 'IL(ST)($%* +. The
IS7 standard 4-*,2$,-*(,$ includes the composite 78 curves and modifies the rule
for discontinuation of inspection to F* lots not being accepted while on tightened
inspectionF.