Abstract:
This thesis applies Six Sigma approach for improving injection molding process with the aim to reduce total defective cost due to flash defect and short mold defect. The thesis follows Six Sigma's main five study stages. Firstly, in the Define phase, the problem, the objective and the scope of the project are indentified. Secondly, in the Measure phase, an attribute measurement system is assessed for accuracy and precision by performing an attribute agreement analysis and process capability of the process is determined. Then, the potential causes for flash and short mold defects are brainstormed by developing Cause and Effect Diagram. Then, the potential causes are narrowed down and prioritized by applying Cause and Effect Matrix. Next, in the Analysis phase, the Design of Experiment (DOE) is applied to test significance of Key Process Input Variables (KPIVs) affecting the problem. In the Improvement phase, the most suitable factor levels that offer the smaller number of defectives and the lower total cost are discovered by adding partial experiments of the alternate fraction. Finally, in the Control phase, it employs the chosen levels in a pilot production to confirm the expected result. Furthermore, to maintain standards of the improved production process, a control plan, which applies proper quality tools to monitor and control both KPIV's and responses, is additionally organized. As a result it is found that (1) The factors that affect flash defect and short mold defect the most were injection pressure, injection velocity, and holding position. (2) The operating condition that helps reduce the total defective cost due to flash defect and short mold defect appears to be the injection pressure of 55.6 Mpa, the injection velocity of 62.9 mm./sec. and the holding position of 5.3 mm. (3) The above operating condition helps decrease the total defective cost due to flash defect and short mold defect from 0.3914 baht per piece to 0.0293 baht per piece.