This study aims at developing an improvement framework of warehouse processes by improving process cycle efficiency using lean six sigma (DMAIC) approach.

Purpose: This study aimed at implementing lean six sigma to evaluate the productivity and manufacturing waste in the production line of a paper companyMethodology/Approach: The study is a case study in nature. The method illustrates how lean six sigma (LSS) is used to evaluate the existing production process in a paper production company with focus on productivity and manufacturing waste. The study considered a real-time problem of customer’s dissatisfaction. The gathered data is based on machine functionality (up time, down time and cycle time); materials and labour flow at every process stages of the production line. The optimization of the production process was based on lean tools like value stream mapping, process cycle efficiency, Kaizen, 5S and pareto chartFindings: Based on lean six sigma application, it was discovered that the present production performance was below standard and more manufacturing wastes were generated. The present productivity and manufacturing wastes are reported as low process cycle efficiency (23.4 %), low takt time (4.11 sec), high lead time (43200sec), high number of products not conforming to six sigma values, high down time (32.64 %) and excess labour flow (33). After the implementation of the lean six sigma tools for certain period of time, there are lots of improvements in the production line in terms of all the parameters considered.Research Limitation/ Implications: The study has demonstrated an application of lean six sigma in the case of solving real-time problems of productivity and manufacturing wastes which have a direct implication on customer’s satisfaction. The lesson learned and implications presented can still be further modeled using some lean based software for validityOriginality/Value: The study has contributed to the body of knowledge in the field of LSS with focus to process based manufacturing, unlike most literature in the field concentrate more on discrete based manufacturing.

This paper presents the analysis of the friction stir-processed aluminium alloy 5083-H111 gas tungsten arc-welded and friction stir-welded joints. The comparative analysis was performed on the processed and unprocessed gas tungsten arc-welded and friction stir-welded joints of similar aluminium alloy 5083-H111. The results showed a clear distinction between the friction stir processed joints and unprocessed joints. There is a good correlation observed between the microstructural results and the tensile results. Ultrafine grain sizes of 4.62 μm and 7.177 μm were observed on the microstructure of the friction stir-processed friction stir-welded and gas tungsten arc-welded joints. The ultimate tensile strength for friction stir-welded and gas tungsten arc-welded before friction stir processing was 153.75 and 262.083 MPa, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength for friction stir processed friction stir-welded joint was 303.153 MPa and gas tungsten arc-welded joints one was 249.917 MPa. The microhardness values for the unprocessed friction stir-welded and gas tungsten arc-welded joints were both approximately 87 HV, while those of the friction stir-processed ones were 86.5 and 86 HV, respectively. The application of friction stir processing transformed the gas tungsten arc morphology from brittle to ductile dimples and reduced the ductile dimple size of the unprocessed friction stir-welded joints from the range of 4.90–38.33 μm to 3.35–15.59 μm.

In recent years, researchers have proposed a variety of sustainable ways of achieving maximal lubricant efficacy with the least amount of lubricant. As an alternative to traditional lubricating procedures, these planned solutions have been highly embraced by scientific groups. This paper provides a comprehensive review of modern cooling/lubrication technologies and their influence on titanium alloy milling, grinding, and turning. Selected studies on recent advances in the lubrication system, such as power consumption, cutting forces, surface finish, and so on, are examined. The effect of various cutting fluids on the machining of titanium alloys has also been investigated. According to the prior state of the art, lubricating techniques and lubrication types have a considerable influence on the machining efficiency of titanium alloys.