Implementation of Lean in Four-Wheel Drive Front Axle Sub Assy line

Abstract

This project deals with the Optimizing the process and eliminating the waste in Four Wheel Drive front axle sub assembly line. Four wheel drive sub assembly line consist of 20 different sub-assemblies are available. In which Axle housing sub assy takes more time to complete i.e. around 20.8 min which is more than TAKT time. In this most fatigue operation is Bush pressing which is done by manual hammering. Due to the manual hammering process TAKT time increases and improper bush assy into the axle housing which leads to failure in the front axle function which results in warranty claims thus increasing the external cost to the company. As the existing process is manual, the accuracy of the pressing operation is not to the standards, while pressing the bush, there is no assurance of full placement of the bush in the axle, also the fatigue is more, and there may be chances of lack of skill in the work. The interference tonnage is found to be 3 to 4 tonnes and so the intensifier unit for the appropriate pressure is to be designed initially 100% inspection is done after bush pressing to check correct position of bush assy, internal diameter of the bush using gauges, Further through PFMEA critical process are identified for failure .