Improved productivity by reduced variation in gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
Journal article, 2017

The purpose of the research conducted is to describe the consequences of variation in the welding industry and the effect it has on manufacturing productivity. The potential has shown to be hidden in unnecessarily stringent requirements and over-processing. This has been studied in steps: customer requirements, design and analysis, preparation, welding, and assessment. The effect of variation in each step has been analyzed including estimations of its productivity improvement potential. Theoretically, in a perfect situation, with customized requirements and eliminated variation, more than half of all welding could be removed. Such a reduction is certainly neither practical nor possible. However, a sensible, controlled reduction could still have a very high impact. The financial implications are therefore substantial. The improved productivity of the manufacturing resources could be used for business development and increased production. To be able to realize the potential, interdisciplinary efforts are necessary. Management across different functions need to agree on the intended product life and make decisions thereafter.

Author

Anna Öberg

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Volvo Group

Erik Åstrand

University West

Volvo Group

International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

0268-3768 (ISSN) 1433-3015 (eISSN)

Vol. 92 1-4 1027-1038

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Areas of Advance

Production

DOI

10.1007/s00170-017-0214-4

More information

Latest update

11/7/2022