Bimodal Distribution
A statistical distribution having two modes - indicating a mixing of two populations such as different shifts, machines, workers, etc. (more)

Binomial Distribution
The distribution of a binomial response variable, one which has two possible outcomes - yes, no; pass, fail, etc.

Bill of Material
Total list of all components/materials required to manufacture the product.

B Life
Time at which x% of parts are expected to have failed. For example, B5 life = time at which 5% of parts have failed.

Black Belt
A leadership structure for Six-sigma process improvement teams. Black Belts are highly-regarded, technically-oriented product or line personnel who have an ability to lead teams as well as to advise management.

Block Diagram
The block diagram is a simple pictorial representation of a system/sub-systems linked to illustrate the relationships between components / subsystems. (more)

Blocking
a technique used in classical DOE to remove the effects of unwanted noise or variability from the experimental response so that only the effects from the control factors are present in the response data.

Boundary Diagram
graphical illustration of a process or product and it's interfaces to other parts, processes, sub-systems and systems.

Box-Behken Design (BBD)
a form of response surface method.

Brainstorming
A method to get ideas from persons who are potential contributors. No criticism or discussion of ideas is allowed until all the ideas are recorded. The ideas are critically reviewed after the brainstorming session.

Bulk Materials
Are products that do not have the characteristics of formed parts when received, but which become part of the product during the manufacturing process.

Bx Life
time at which x% of parts are expected to have failed. for example, B5 Life = time at which 5% of parts have failed.