The present research work focuses on the production of aluminium (AA6082-T6) matrix composites reinforced with various weight percentage of silicon nitride particles by conventional stir casting route. The percentage of reinforcement is varied from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% in a stage of 3%. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the fabricated aluminium matrix composites are investigated. The scanning electron microstructure images reveal the presence of Si 3 N 4 particles in the aluminium matrix. The distribution of Si 3 N 4 particles has also been recognized with X-ray diffraction technique. The mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and hardness have improved at the cost of reduction in ductility with increase in weight percentage of silicon nitride particulates in the aluminium metal matrix. The density and porosity of the composites also show an increasing trend with increase in volume fraction of Si 3 N 4 particles in the aluminium matrix.

This work focuses on the effect of graphite particles addition on the microstructure of Al6082 metal matrix composites manufactured by conventional stir casting process. The reinforcement content was varied from 0% to 12% in a step of 3%. The microstructures of the manufactured composites were analyzed by scanning electron micrographic test. Elemental mapping of the Al6082 + 12% Gr reinforced composite was carried out to see the different elements present with their amount. Different elements present in the manufactured composites were verified by X-ray diffraction technique to justify the elemental map analysis. The result of this microstructural investigation revealed that a non-uniform distribution of graphite particles takes place at all weight percentages of graphite reinforcement.

Please cite this article in press as: Sharma P, et al. Dry sliding wear investigation of Al6082/Gr metal matrix composites by response surface methodology. J Mater Res Technol. 2015. http://dx.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of lean and green practices to foundry industry in India for improving productivity and eliminating waste, incorporating the sustainability into business performance measures. Design/methodology/approach – The study used survey questionnaire method to collect data against 16 lean and green practices from 71 middle- to senior-level professionals belonging to Indian foundry industry. The survey instrument of lean and green practices was developed based on a number of sources from the literature and formal discussions with academicians and foundry industry professionals. The responses were received on a five-point Likert scale ranging from least applicable to most applicable. Exploratory factor and reliability analyses are conducted to obtain and validate constructs and measure each constructs Cronbach’s α (i.e. a consistency coefficient). The lean and green practices are categorized into the four constructs, namely, workplace organization practices, management practices, inventory control practices, and industrial manufacturing and quality improvement practices. Further, descriptive statistics is employed to find out the relative significance of lean and green practices. Findings – Factor and reliability analyses show that all four constructs are adequate and reliable to illustrate lean and green practices. Descriptive statistics indicates that lean and green practices are applicable for implementation to a certain extent in the foundry industry. Correlation analysis shows that lean practices are positively and moderately interrelated with green practices. Thus, the results present a strong evidence that lean and green practices are moderately applicable for implementation in the foundry industry. Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the applicability of lean and green practices implementation in the context of a developing country and presents evidence that lean and green practices are moderately applicable in the foundry industry. In addition, this paper is one of the few efforts to promote sustainable development within the industry.

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Aluminum and its alloy are light in weight, ductile, strong and long lasting, having high corrosion resistance, good conductor of heat and electricity and are 100% recyclable. Despite all these good qualities, it has low wear resistance. But some applications entail high hardness and tensile strength, high modulus of elasticity than the conventional aluminum alloy with good tribological properties. Keeping in view the enhancement of mechanical as well as tribological properties with reduction in weight, the aluminum alloy is reinforced with a second phase which is hard and brittle, and the newly formed material has better mechanical and tribological properties. The paper reviews the various manufacturing processes of aluminum matrix composites, and it was found that the mechanical and tribological properties of the single reinforcement composites are better as compared to pure aluminum and its alloys irrespective of the aluminum matrix composites manufacturing process. Further, it was found that most of the hybrid composites exhibit better mechanical and tribological properties as compared to single reinforcement composites.

Six Sigma is a strategic approach of significant value in achieving overall excellence. It helps to accomplish the organizations strategic aim through the effectual use of project controlled methodology. As Six Sigma is a project controlled approach, it is necessary to prioritize projects which give utmost economic benefits to the firm. In real practice, Six Sigma projects selection is very tough assignment because poor project selection also happens even in the well-managed organizations and this can weaken the success and trustworthiness of the Six Sigma practice. The present study aims to develop a project selection approach based on a combination of fuzzy and MADM technique to help organizations determine proper Six Sigma projects and identify the priority of these projects mainly in automotive companies. VIKOR and TOPSIS methods have been used to select the proper Six Sigma project composed with fuzzy logic. In this context, seven critical parameters have been considered for selection of finest alternative. The weights of evaluation criteria are obtained using the MDL (modified digital logic) method and final ranking is calculated through primacy index obtained by using fuzzy based VIKOR and TOPSIS methodology. A factual case study from automotive industry is used to investigate the efficacy of the planned approach.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to uncover the significance of quick changeovers in die-casting foundry environments. Design/methodology/approach -The paper gives set-up instructions and guidelines to prepare the standardized set-up procedure without ignoring actual constraints in foundries. It uses a case study in a medium scale piston foundry to generate an integrated set-up reduction approach, utilizing single minute exchange of die (SMED)-based industrial engineering tools to achieve faster set-ups. It describes the feasibility of quick changeovers in foundry small and medium enterprises based on a "SMED" approach. Finally, the paper carries out empirical analysis of the financial/non-financial benefits incurred from set-up reductions. Findings -Set-up activities are a vital part of the production lead-time of any product and so affect overall product cost. Tools like Pareto analysis, root-cause analysis and method study have been used to analyze the existing procedure of set-ups. A SMED approach can help eliminate unwanted activities, externalize the internal activities, if possible and reduce them by simplification or standardization. The application of other tools such as 5S, Poke-Yoke and specific tool-kits are suggested to further reduce set-up times. Originality/value -The paper demonstrates the practical application of SMED showing how it can bring real breakthroughs in productivity to small and medium scale foundries.