Simultaneous optimization of multiple performance characteristics of carbonitrided pellets: a case study

The performance of a product is generally characterized by more than one response variable. Hence, the management often faces the problem of simultaneous optimization of many response variables. In recent years, a lot of literature has been published on various methodologies for tackling the multi-response optimization problems. Among them, the approach based on Taguchi’s quality loss function is very popular. This paper discusses a case study on multiple response optimization in carbonitriding process. The surface hardness, case depth, and dimensional variation of carbonitrided pellets were simultaneously optimized using quality loss function methodology. The optimum obtained through loss function approach was found to be superior to the ones obtained through optimizing the response variables separately. The result obtained through the implementation of the solution is also presented in the study.