The use of Selected Lean Management Tools for Analyzing Defects in Pistons for Internal Combustion Engines

The article presents the most significant material defects found in pistons for internal combustion engines, along with a graphical method of categorization using a Pareto-Lorenz chart. For the top three defects (constituting approximately 80% of all issues), a slightly different Ishikawa chart was employed to identify the causes behind their occurrence. Remedial actions were proposed, to be implemented primarily within the interoperative quality control of piston casting. It was concluded that it is crucial to prevent the excessive iron content in the alloy used for alfin inserts (AS9 alloy), particularly for cast iron ring carriers. The research was conducted in collaboration with Federal-Mogul company in Gorzyce (F-MG), one of the largest piston foundries in Poland.