A quality engineer is monitoring a metal stamping process us…
A quality engineer is monitoring a metal stamping process using both an x̄-chart and an R-chart. After reviewing 8 consecutive samples, she observes the following: x̄-chart: All 8 sample means fall well within the control limits with no pattern. R-chart: The sample ranges show a clear and steady upward trend over the 8 samples. What does this pattern most likely indicate about the process?