The thesis was done in collaboration with Raahen Terästuote.

The aim of the thesis was to create a plan to improve the production of band saw at Raahen Terästuote. Lean Six Sigma development methods were partially used as help to identify the parts of the process that generate the most waste, and to develop efficient and economical solution models for them. Additionally, work and orientation guide for the band saw were prepared alongside the thesis to improve safety and functionality.

The theoretical parts of the thesis explain the main parts of the band saw, its operating principle and the saw’s common usage at work objects in the metal industry. The theory section also describes the Lean Six Sigma tool more deeply, whose work principles are based on developing the process, to make it more efficient by reducing time waste in the process.

In the thesis the band saw process was examined and problem areas were identified, starting from the arrival of the material, which caused time waste in the process. Most waste was generated by poor organization of the yard area, structural quality problems with the roller track and material handling on the roller tracks.

As a result of the work, the process parts that are generating the most waste were identified, and action plans were developed for them to eliminate the largest waste. The plan included investments in new roll tracks, measuring stop and material lateral transfer magazines to develop time usage. Improvement options for the maintenance of the outside roll track were also obtained through various protective measures.