Create Nested Axes for Character Variables

If you merge variables that all have categorical modeling types, then an individual axis is constructed for each variable. The outermost axis corresponds to the first variable selected, the next to the second, and so on.

To nest the axes in a specific order, drag the variables to the zone individually. First, drag the variable for the innermost axis to the zone. Then drag the variable for the next axis to the outside of the preceding variable and drop the variable once a trapezoid shape appears.

The following example illustrates nested axes.

After changes are made to improve a measurement process, a measurement systems analysis study is conducted to study repeatability and reproducibility with Part, Operator, and Instrument as factors. Each of three operators measures each of eight parts with four instruments. Of particular interest is the consistency of the instruments. The measured quantity is called new Y.

Select Help > Sample Data Library and open Variability Data/3 Factors Crossed.jmp.

Select Graph > Graph Builder.

Select new Y and drag it to the Y zone.

Select Part and drag it to the X zone.

The plot shows variation in the values that are measured for each of the eight parts. There are systematic differences among the parts, which is to be expected. For example, measurements for parts 7 and 8 are lower than those for parts 1 through 6.

Drag Operator to the Color zone.

The new Y values are colored by Operator, using the legend at the right of the graph. It appears that Janet might be measuring higher values than the other two operators on most parts. But the Operator effect is not easy to visualize, so you create a separate Operator axis.

Select Operator and drag it beneath Part in the X zone.

The label Operator/Part appears, indicating that Part is associated with the topmost axis, and Operator is associated with the lower axis.

Drag Operator to Add a Second Axis

Now it is easier to see that Janet tends to obtain higher measurements for the same parts than do Bob and Frank. But what about the effect of Instrument?

Select Instrument and drag it beneath Operator/Part in the X zone.

The label Instrument/Operator/Part appears, indicating that a third axis for Instrument has been added beneath the Operator axis.

Drag Instrument to Add a Third Axis

It is clear that Instrument 2 leads to much more consistent measurements than the other three instruments. For Instrument 2, there is comparatively little variation between or within operators.

Select Instrument and drag it to the Color zone.

Three Nested Axes

Now the new Y values are colored by Instrument, and it is easy to see Instrument differences.

By nesting the axes for the three factors in study, you are able to obtain a visual understanding of the variation attributable to the factors.