Case Study: The Timken Company reduces thrust-bearing scrap and defects with JMP

The surest path to problem resolution at Timken: Take 5 steps and JMP

The Timken Company faced a high scrap rate on a high-volume thrust-bearing assembly, where a snap-fit defect was causing production losses. JMP statistical discovery software was used to support Timken’s Lean Six Sigma DMAIC effort, helping the team analyze variation and understand where the process was breaking down.

Using JMP’s variability analysis, process mapping, and Custom Designer DOE tools, The Timken Company validated new settings that eliminated the defect without expensive retooling. JMP helped Timken reduce the defect rate to essentially zero, convert all parts in the family to the new process, and achieve an estimated US$60,000 in manpower and scrap savings.

The Timken Company

Tom Putnam

Lean Six Sigma Manager