Magnesium Alloy Die Casting Process Improvement using the Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) Method and Other Techniques

Pendry, Alan (2018) Magnesium Alloy Die Casting Process Improvement using the Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) Method and Other Techniques. In: Mg2018: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Magnesium Alloys and Their Applications. Brunel University Press, UK, pp. 81-85. ISBN 9781908549372

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Abstract

In the die casting process, the optimisation of machine capacity utilisation is a key goal in achieving economic throughput. The tooling changeover procedure is widely recognised as a possible area for reducing plant downtime. Following a visit to a sister plant in Canada, the SMED method has been augmented by rationalisation of procedures. Identification of internal and external activities and moving activities off-line wherever appropriate was investigated, along with the elimination of Non-Value-Added Activities wherever possible. There was also a bottleneck in the use of a single crane which may have been otherwise engaged when dies need to be changed. Other operating parameters will need to be investigated, including robotic loading and unloading. There are a number of challenges and opportunities for further downtime reduction, and this study is therefore on-going. The design of a Smart Die and associated condition monitoring systems will be investigated. The business case needs to be addressed and costs/benefits analysed. Changeover times at the UK plant have so far been reduced from 24 hours to an average of 6½ hours.

Item Type: Book Section
Dates:
DateEvent
24 July 2018Published
Subjects: CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-01 - engineering (non-specific)
CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-03 - production and manufacturing engineering
Divisions: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Depositing User: Keith Osman
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2018 09:58
Last Modified: 03 Mar 2022 15:33
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6183

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