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The term “Lean” was the Japanese model and had been associated with the practice of interpreting the value added activities from those that are wasted (“muda” in Japanese) in an organization and its supply chain [1]. Apart from that, lean was also known as the focus on reducing the non value added (NVA) waste which impedes the flow of the product as it is being transformed in the value chain [2]. Lean manufacturing also means producing only to direct customer orders, creating the need for less on-hand inventory [3]. Lean layout is one of the lean manufacturing tools which have been applied in this automotive parts manufacturer. This tool encourages good visibility and management of the manufacturing system [2]. The U-shape design is incorporated in this case study in order to improve the efficiency of production. In this research, the current production layout is studied and the improvements are conducted by using U-shaped layout which replaced the traditional layout (straight line layout). The results are shown through the figures of the new layout design in the production line.

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Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi) has a unique capacity to restore its initial shape after deformation, which is highly applicable to orthopaedic implantations, especially for the minimization of invasive surgeries. The high nickel content of this alloy can lead to unfavourable effects on the human body upon dissolution; thus, a reliable barrier of coatings on the NiTi surface is required to alleviate the nickel migration and increase its biocompatibility. In this paper, analyses of a titanium oxide layer development on NiTi surface using electrical discharge coating (EDC) process is presented. The recast layer thickness, crater sizes, and surface roughness were characterized based on five parameters; polarity, discharge duration, pulse interval, peak current, and gap voltage. The results show that the discharge duration is the most significant parameter to influence all responses, followed by peak current. The surface characteristics of the EDC substrate is depending on the crater formations and is highly correlated with the discharge energy intensity. As a result, appropriate parametric conditions of the electrical discharge coating process can enhance the NiTi surface for future medical applications, without compromising the shape memory effect.