IMPLEMENTATION OF TAGUCHI’S ROBUST DESIGN METHODOLOGY TO A MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Abstract

A considerable amount of work has been carried out in the field of TQM in manufacturing facilities and processes. However, the ways in which the concept of TQM is implemented across the organizations has differed in the literature. Taguchi’s techniques are statistical tools, which require extensive mathematical calculations and proper interpretation of the results. Taguchi methods are statistical approaches for the robust design of products. They are principally used in parametric and tolerance design. Parametric design is the determination of how parameter values affect the system performance and selection of values to be assigned to parameters. It determines which mix of parameters (dimensions, tolerances speeds, weights etc.) should be used to achieve the best system performance with greatest consistency under the influence of difficult to control factors such as wear and environmental conditions. The method itself is quiet complex and lengthy, and it’s always been a grey area for researchers to short the method, implement and introduce new techniques in this process. Due to the complexity of the process, the methods should not be used wildly within small enterprises. Currently, certain software is present for the implementation of the Taguchi methods. An effort will be made in this work for the clarification of Taguchi methods through a structured approach comprising of both literature review and research base from the industry. After an understanding of the Taguchi methods are developed, a process will be selected for the implementation of the developed understanding of the process. The results of the approach will be discussed and final conclusion will be outlined.