Application of optimization techniques in the production of parts of martensitic stainless steel

The ability of managing a production system is an essential factor for maintaining the position in the market. Companies are constantly looking for optimizing their process in order to follow this dynamic competition. In this sense, different tools and methodologies are applied in order to support the decision-making, based on algorithm solutions and objective results. Regarding that, this paper presents an analysis of the best alternatives to eliminate productive process bottlenecks of martensitic stainless steel (AISI-420) of a metal-mechanics industry from South of Brazil by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results indicate the best alternative to extinguish the production process bottleneck as the replacement of the material of the polishing rolls, from sisal to cotton, which represents 27.1 % of preference regarding all the alternatives. Following it is the increase of speed of the conveyors and the verification and substitution of industrial squirts, all of them with relative high impact on the solution of the problem. Based on the changes made, it is possible to notice great reduction in losses and reprocess, besides the improvements pointed out by the inspection and quality sector. Considering all the improvements, the results show 74 % of efficiency when compared to the previous situation.