Improvement of the measurement process used for the dynamic mechanical characterisation of polyolefin foams in compression

A Taguchi experimental design has been used to improve the measurement process utilised in a dynamic mechanical analyser (Perkin Elmer DMA7) for the characterisation of polyolefin foams in compression. The measurement process has been analysed in a systematic way, which allows identification of the main factors that influence the variability of tests performed under the same repeated conditions. By applying the Taguchi methodology, the combination of the levels of the control factors that make the measurement process least influenced by external factors has been obtained.