Enhancing the capability of a PVC pipe extrusion process through the Six Sigma's strategic approach

Abstract

Manufacturing firms are always trying to reduce the process variability, as it ultimately leads to productivity and better quality. In developing nations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) generally overlooked the process variations, which reduces the capability index (Cpk) and corresponding sigma level of the process. To cope with such situations, Six Sigma provides a comprehensive DMAIC strategy to appropriately define, measure, analyse, improve and control the performance of a given industry. It brings improvement in 'critical to process' parameters and bounds to produce a best quality product. To enhance the process capability index of a given PVC pipe extrusion process, the present work emphasises more on the analyse, improve and control phases of the applied DMAIC approach. This successful case study in a PVC pipe industry will motivate the practitioners and quality engineers to inculcate Six Sigma in their respective manufacturing processes for harvesting the associated financial and non-financial benefits.