Die casting process assessment using single minute exchange of dies (SMED) method

Die casting process uses high productive level machines. Machine capacity utilization is a key goal in achieving minimum time consumption. Changeover procedure during die casting process is recognized as possible area for reducing time consumption. The SMED method has been improved by additional procedures simultaneously applying the 5S method. Their contribution is evident in recognition of internal and external activities, particularly while transferring internal activities into external ones in as many numbers as possible, by minimizing at the same moment the internal ones. The validity of the method and procedures are verified by an example application of die casting foundry for casting automobile parts. Significant time savings have been achieved with minimum investment