Simultaneous optimisation of multiple quality characteristics in manufacturing processes using Taguchi's quality loss function

Taguchi methods have proved to be successful over the last fifteen years or so for the improvement of product quality and process performance. Most Taguchi experiments are concerned with the optimisation of a single quality characteristic. Optimisation of multiple quality characteristics in manufacturing processes is not common and has received very little attention among the Taguchi practitioners. Many engineers using Taguchi methods have employed pure engineering judgement when dealing with multiple quality characteristics in manufacturing process optimisation. This approach is very subjective and therefore always brings an element of uncertainty to the decision-making process. This paper presents an alternative approach for tackling such optimisation problems using Taguchi's quality loss function analysis. The paper also presents a case study to illustrate the potential of the proposed methodology.