Application of the Six Sigma Method to Improve Vulcanization Times in Automotive Tires

Abstract

The present paper considers the use of the results of the evaluations carried out by applying the Six Sigma statistical method to improve the vulcanization times of elastomeric composites on the external manufacturing cycle of several size types of car tires. This statistical approach aims to verify the distribution of the measured values of the external vulcanization times between the normal specification limits to optimize them and improve the performance, efficiency, and quality of the automotive tire vulcanization processes. Through the analysis carried out, the operations that caused delays and defects were identified, a program of corrective measures was carried out and after its execution, the fulfillment of the purpose was verified, namely the optimization of external vulcanization times and reducing the number of faulty tires. The new measured values of the vulcanization times were within the normal limits of the imposed specifications (LSS = 2.5). This situation corresponds to achieving a maximum level of performance and represents the successful completion of the quality improvement project.