Additional Example of the Contour Profiler

This example explores optimal factor settings by determining the value of the response that maximizes the desirability functions. Desirability functions are often used to determine the optimal settings for a response surface. The Maximize Desirability feature in the Prediction Profiler provides one combination of factor level settings that results in a predicted response that optimizes the desirability. However, there are often many factor level combinations that can optimize the desirability function. The Contour Profiler is a useful tool for finding alternative settings that optimize desirability.

1. Select Help > Sample Data Folder and open Design Experiment/Bounce Data.jmp.

2. Click the green triangle next to the Model script, and then click Run in the launch window.

3. Click the Prediction Profiler red triangle and select Optimization and Desirability > Maximize Desirability.

Figure 4.6 Maximize Desirability Settings 

The value of Stretch that maximizes the desirability function is 450. One combination of factor level settings that results in a predicted Stretch of 450 is Silica = 1.0101, Sulfur = 2.0437, and Silane = 43.5792.

4. Click the Response Stretch red triangle and select Factor Profiling > Contour Profiler.

To ensure that your new setting combinations maximize desirability, you want to make sure that the settings predict Stretch within 2 units of 450. In addition, you would like a high level of Silane, a fixed value of 60.

Figure 4.7 Contour Profiler for Bounce Data.jmp 

The initial plot shows the contour values of Silica and Sulfur for Stretch at 415 and Silane at 50.

5. In the response controls, set the Contour value for Stretch to 450. Set the Lo Limit and High Limit for Stretch to 448 and 452, respectively. Press Enter.

6. Set the Current X for Silane to 60.

Figure 4.8 Contour Profiler for Optimal Settings 

The values on the solid red curve are the Silica and Sulfur values that predict Stretch to be 450. The values within the unshaded band predict values of Stretch between 448 and 452. You can drag the crosshairs that appear on the plot to the unshaded sections to find specific settings for Silica and Sulfur. One such setting is seen in Figure 4.8.