Application of Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Six Sigma Methodology for Multi-Objective Optimization in Injection Molding Processes
Applied Sciences (Switzerland), cilt.16, sa.2, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/app16021025
- Dergi Adı: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: injection molding, gas trap burn (GTB), multi-objective optimization, NSGA-II, DPMO, sigma level
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study proposes an artificial intelligence-integrated Six Sigma framework for reducing multiple critical defects in plastic injection molding using real industrial production data from a washing-machine control-panel manufacturing line. Predictive models were developed under severe class imbalance conditions and combined with SHAP-based interpretability to identify the most influential process parameters. A multi-objective NSGA-II optimization strategy was then employed to simultaneously minimize major defect types, including gas-trapped burn (GTB), short shot (SS), sink mark (SK), and flash (FL). The proposed framework was validated through on-site continuous trial production of 300 parts after process stabilization, demonstrating substantial and consistent defect reduction. The results indicate that the integration of data-driven modeling, explainable artificial intelligence, and evolutionary multi-objective optimization provides a practical and scalable approach for quality improvement in industrial injection molding processes.