Methodology for internal traceability support in foundry manufacturing

Abstract

Appropriate description and implementation of internal part traceability in manufacturing is a complex task. Accurate and real-time traceability from a part, or a part feature, to a manufacture, storage, or transport issue is essential to efficient and high-quality operations. With the increasing amount of machine status and product quality information coming from the manufacturing lines, certain questions arise. When there is a problem with the process or product quality what information can be utilized to enable effective traceability to the foundry batch lot? Also, what aggregate information values are needed to enable real-time problem solutions? In this paper a systems-based approach is used to propose a method to define and implement internal part traceability in two participating foundries.