The purpose of this thesis was to solve a complex problem in the manufacturing industry. The complex problem is the disposition and redeployment of specialized manufacturing equipment while accounting for import, export and supply chain security. The problem-solving approach is discussed in detail, focusing on lean and six sigma methodologies for a solution meeting both company internal and external requirements. This combination of lean and six sigma methodology has been validated by use in a pharmaceutical company. The process flow to dispose equipment properly is presented in detail. The process details can be used as best practices by any company dealing with specialized manufacturing equipment, enabling them to develop a robust process tailored to their organizational structure, hierarchy and resource availability.

Micromachining has seen application growth in a variety of industries requiring a miniaturization of the machining process. Machining at the micro level generates different cutter/workpiece interactions, generating more localized temperature spikes in the part/sample, as suggested by multiple studies. Temper-etch inspection is a non-destructive test used to identify `grind burns' or localized over-heating in steel components. This research investigated the application of temper-etch inspection to micromachined steel. The tests were performed on AISI 4340 steel samples. Finding, indications of localized over-heating was the primary focus of the experiment. In addition, change in condition between the original and post-machining hardness in the machined slot bottom was investigated. The results revealed that, under the conditions of the experiment, no indications of localized over-heating were present. However, there was a change in hardness at the bottom of the machined slot compared to the rest of the sample. Further research is needed to test the applicability of temper-etch inspection to micromilled steel and to identify the source of the change in hardness.