Grey-based Taguchi Method Research Articles

The use of the Taguchi method with grey relational analysis to optimize the thin-film sputtering process with multiple quality characteristic in color filter manufacturing

The paper proposes an approach to improve the yield of Chrome (Cr) thin-film sputtering process of the black matrix (BM) in color filter manufacturing and to find the robust parameters of the process with multiple quality characteristics by using the Taguchi method combined with the grey relational analysis. The research considers the correlation between quality characteristics and applies the principal component analysis to eliminate the multiple co-linearity. The weights of the quality characteristics are determined by employing the entropy measurement method. Two quality characteristics and four control factors with three levels were selected. Based on the Taguchi quality design concept, a L9 orthogonal array table was chosen for the experiments. The confirmation experiment verifies the proposed grey-based Taguchi method has the ability to find out the optimal process parameters with multiple quality characteristics. Besides, manufacturing with the attained optimal process parameters can reduce the opportunities of repair and rework of Cr thin-film and raise the yield.

Optimization of the needle punching process for the nonwoven fabrics with multiple quality characteristics by grey-based taguchi method

This study is intended for finding out the optimal processing parameters for needle punching nonwoven fabrics in order to work out its maximal strength. Taguchi method together with grey relational analysis is employed to resolve the problem as regards multiple-quality optimization, and further discover the optimal combination of processing parameters for needle punching nonwoven fabrics. Firstly, orthogonal array L18(21×37) is used to deal with the processing parameters that may exert influence over the manufacturing of needle punching nonwoven fabrics. Then grey relational analysis is applied to resolve the deficiency of Taguchi method that focus on single quality characteristic. Next, the response table of grey relational analysis is used to obtain the optimal combination of processing parameters for multiple quality characteristics. In the current experiment quality characteristic refers to the tensile strength and tear strength of the nonwoven fabrics. Additionally, signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) calculation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) can be adopted to explore the experimental results. Through ANOVA, the significant factors that exert comparatively significant influence over the quality characteristic of the needle punching nonwoven fabrics, that is, the control factors are determined so that the quality characteristic of the needle punching nonwoven fabrics can be effectively controlled. Finally, confirmation experiment is conducted within 95 % confidence interval to verify the experimental reliability and reproducibility.

Antibacterial treatments on titanium for implantology

Transparent conductive films of Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) were deposited on glass substrates under various ZnO buffer layer deposition conditions (radio frequency (r.f.) power, sputtering pressure, thickness, and annealing) using r.f. magnetron sputtering at room temperature. This work investigates the influence of ZnO buffer layer on structural, electrical, and optical properties of AZO films. The use of grey-based Taguchi method to determine the ZnO buffer layer deposition processing parameters by considering multiple performance characteristics has been reported. Findings show that the ZnO buffer layer improves the optoelectronic performances of AZO films. The AZO films deposited on the 150-nm thick ZnO buffer layer exhibit a very smooth surface with excellent optical properties. Highly c-axis-orientated AZO/ZnO/glass films were grown. Under the optimized ZnO buffer layer deposition conditions, the AZO films show lowest electrical resistivity of 6.75 × 10−4 Ω cm, about 85% optical transmittance in the visible region, and the best surface roughness of Ra = 0.933 nm.

Optimization of the film coating process for polymer blends by the grey-based Taguchi method

The purpose of this paper is to find the optimum conditions of the film coating process for polymer blends and the influence of major processing parameters on the morphological properties of the material surface has been discussed. The surface roughness is regarded as the target characteristic of the smaller-the-better system. In order to achieve the aim of the multiple-response process of robustness, the grey-based Taguchi method is proposed. Nine experimental trials based on the L9(34) orthogonal array are conducted to determine the optimum processing conditions, the significant factor levels, and the percent contributions together with the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, confirmation experiments are performed to verify that the experimental results are reproducible. Moreover, atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be carried out with 3D atomic resolution in air for the measurement and analysis of the precision surface .

A grey-based Taguchi method to optimize design of muzzle flash restraint device

A grey-based Taguchi method is proposed to discover the optimal design of the rifle muzzle flash reducer. According to existing research and following interviews with specific domain experts, the critical design factors which influence the reducer’s performance have been ascertained. They are: (1) existence of the front cover, (2) diameter of the outside exhaust hole, (3) location of the exhaust hole on the extension tube, (4) diameter of the outside tube and (5) length of the outside tube. Based on these factors and their different levels, the L18 (21*37) orthogonal array was chosen for experimental combinations. Analyses of the S/N ratio and grey matrix are presented to conduct verification through the obtained raw data from test firing. The proposed methodology confirms the stability of the optimal combination. Moreover, verification results boost one’s confidence that the optimal reducer’s parameters can achieve optimal quality. Under α=0.05, the most significant factor for reducing muzzle flash is the existence of the front cover. Using such a reducer, with a combination designed in accordance with the Taguchi method, the muzzle flash with the reducer decreased the pixels from 94322 to 341, a 99.64% improvement. This is an extemely significant amelioration.

Application of entropy measurement technique in grey based Taguchi method for optimization of MIG welding process parameters

We seldom realized that without this form of metal work, many structures would cease to be in existence. A skilled journeymen welder joins metal in such a way that it is not able to be parted unless it is cut. Welding is an absolutely essential technique used in various industries like automotive industry, construction industry as well as in the aviation industry. Hence welding process parameters are required to be optimized for their responses or welding characteristics. This study incorporates entropy measurement technique based on grey Taguchi method to analyze multiple quality characteristic optimization of metal inert gas welding of low carbon steel plates. For this study, four control variables are selected current, voltage, gas flow rate and wire feed rate and analysing their effect on the four quality characteristics ultimate tensile strength, elongation %, bending strength and hardness of the weldments have been investigated in this paper. In order to optimize the multiple quality characteristic of the MIG welding, grey relational analysis coupled with entropy measurement method has been employed. Using entropy measurement method, value of weight corresponding to each quality characteristic has been assigned, so that the importance can be properly determined. Using the theory of grey relational analysis, these have been accumulated to calculate the overall grey relational grade. Signal to Noise ratio (S/N ratio) is applied to find the optimal parameter setting. To determine the contribution of MIG welding process parameters, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) on grey relational grade has been calculated. The confirmatory test also has been done for verifying the results. A foresaid methodology has been found fruitful in the cases where simultaneous optimization of huge number of responses is required.Keywords: Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding, Grey-Taguchi Method, Entropy Measurement Technique, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), S-N ratio.