Abstract:
The objective of this research is to reduce defectives in the Thrust Washer process with measurement system analysis (MSA) and statistical process control (SPC) techniques. The company, case study faced with the problem on thrust washer thickness which did not conform to the specification up to 8.70% of the total production per month.
The research methodologies begin with data collecting in order to find which process caused the defectives. Then measurement system analysis is used to evaluate the performance of inspectors and measuring instruments. The control chart is consequently applied to analyze the problem situation before improvement. After that the fishbone diagram is also used to investigate the root cause of thrust washer thickness problem. The cross-functional teamwork is established in the improvement process. After improvement, the principle of statistical process control is used for monitoring and controlling the process.
The improvement results showed that the average defective quantity in the thrust washer process reduced from 8.7% to 0% and the process capability index increased from 0.92 to 1.10. Additionally, the customer complaints can be reduced to zero. Therefore, it can create a good image to customers which obtains sales and profits in the future.