How to Read AQL Table in Garments Industry?

Reading an AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) table in the Garments Industry involves understanding the sampling plan that dictates the acceptable and unacceptable quality levels of a production batch. 

How to Read AQL Table in Garments Industry?  

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to interpret an AQL table:

1. Understand the Structure of the AQL Table:

• AQL Levels: AQL tables typically have columns representing different AQL levels, such as 0.65, 1.0, 1.5, etc. These levels correspond to different acceptable quality limits, where lower numbers indicate stricter quality control.
• Inspection Levels: AQL tables also specify different inspection levels (I, II, III), which relate to the sample size and the criticality of the product.

2. Determine the Inspection Level:

• The inspection level is chosen based on the product type, its criticality, and the desired level of confidence in the inspection results. Commonly used levels are I, II, and III, with I being the most stringent.

3. Select the AQL Level:

• Choose an AQL level based on the criticality of the defects and the desired level of protection against shipping non-conforming products. Lower AQL levels (such as 0.65) are stricter and allow fewer defects, while higher AQL levels (such as 4.0) are more lenient.

4. Determine the Sample Size Code Letter:

• Find the applicable sample size code letter (e.g., A, B, C, D) in the AQL table. This is based on the lot size and the chosen inspection level. The lot size is usually measured in number of units.

5. Read the AQL Table:

• Locate the intersection of the chosen AQL level column, inspection level row, and sample size code letter. This intersection will give you:
• Sample Size (n): The number of units to be inspected.
• Acceptance Number (c): The maximum number of defects allowed in the sample to pass inspection.

6. Interpret the Results:

• After inspection, count the number of defects found in the sample. Compare this number to the acceptance number (c) from the AQL table:
• If the number of defects found is less than or equal to the acceptance number (c), the lot is accepted.
• If the number of defects found exceeds the acceptance number (c), the lot is rejected.

Example Scenario:

• Suppose you are inspecting a garment shipment using AQL level 2.5, inspection level II, and a lot size of 5000 units. According to the AQL table, for sample size code letter L, you might find:
  • Sample Size (n): 200 units
  • Acceptance Number (c): 10 defects
• If you find 8 defects in your sample of 200 units, the lot would pass inspection. If you find 12 defects, the lot would fail inspection.

Tips:

• Familiarize Yourself: Become familiar with your company's specific AQL table and procedures.
• Training: Ensure inspectors are trained to accurately apply the AQL table.
• Documentation: Document all inspection results and decisions based on the AQL table.

How to Read AQL Table in Garments Industry? These steps, you can effectively use and interpret an AQL table in the garments industry to ensure quality control and manage production batches accordingly.