First Pass Yield Improvement on Casting Cell Using DMAIC Methodology

Abstract

This research project was focused in the First Pass Yield improvement in a cell of a Medical Device Company. The first pass yield is defined as the number of units coming out of a process divided by the number of units going into that process over a specified period of time. Only good units with no rework are counted as coming out of an individual process. In order to improve the first pass yield the DMAIC methodology was used. DMAIC is an acronym for a series of steps used to measure defects in business processes and improve profitability. The term DMAIC stands for the five main steps in the process; Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. This research seek to improve the yield at the manufacturing cell where the pacemaker header is formed. This is important for the process because it will reduce rework, overtime and the negative impact on product released. DMAIC methodology brings a structure and the tool to identify and solve the problem. In this case increase the yield in a medical device industry. Key Terms - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC), Design of Experiment (DOE), First Pass Yield (FPY), Voice of Customer (VOC).