Noise Level Reduction in Machine Shop using Kaizen Techniques

Abstract

Noise is simply the unwanted and displeasing sound that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life. The Automobile Industries are having several machineries that produce noise. The study in the paper is based to reduce the noise levels of these machines. The noise levels are identified and monitored for several machines and compared with its actual acceptable limits. The noise limits are be smoothened by certain techniques like providing silencers, sealing the air leakages, preventive maintenance schedule and once again noise level is measured for the machines to get the result of acceptable noise. This report summarizes best practice in noise and vibration measurement, prediction and assessment methodologies for noise reduction in the machine shop. Kaizen techniques reduce machine shop noise from 96dB to 85dB (12% reduction). Air nozzles (17% reduction), acoustic curtains (14%), and acoustic paneling (9%) are effective methods. The average noise level measured earlier was 96 dB. After proposing suitable kaizen techniques for noise reduction, the average noise level can be successfully decreased to an average 85 dB, which is about 12% of reduction. This provides a significant improvement in noise reduction.