Application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in the manufacturing of medical accelerators

Most radiation therapy machines are based on microwave linear accelerators. Manufacturing reliable accelerators and hence, reliable radiation therapy machines requires accurate, efficient, and well-controlled processes throughout the steps of electron accelerator manufacturing. Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques are utilized at Siemens - Oncology Care Systems (OCS) to meet these requirements. SPC is routinely used to monitor different accelerator manufacturing processes. Analysis of the resulting data is used to initiate actions to preserve consistent and high-quality performance. This results in processes that are stable and predictable at both higher effective capacity and lower cost. In addition, it is expected that high-energy physics projects such as the Next Linear Collider (NLC) should benefit from these techniques. Quality control techniques similar to those used by Siemens are essential to the fabrication of the large number of cavities and accelerator sections in an industrial environment.