SMED, stands for Single-Minute Exchange of Die, is a theory and techniques for performing setup operations in under ten minutes, i.e., in a number of minutes expressed in a single digit. The SMED method was revolutionized by Mr. Shingo since 1950 in Japan. The concepts and techniques became available to other countries started around 1974 in West Germany and Switzerland and in 1976 in Europe and United States. However, not util 1980s, the SMED technique getting acceptace to companies outside Japan.
Effects of Setup Reduction
Setup reduction may bring the following impacts to the shop floor:
Lot-size can be reduced.
Help to reduce inventory.
Reduce the cost of setup labor.
Increase the capacity on bottleneck equipment.
Help to eliminate the setup scrap.
Reduce the potentail Quality problems and obsolescence.
Alternatives for Setup Reduction
SMED is not the only approach for reducing setup time. Some other alternatives are:
Production Planning - reduce the number of setups.
Group Technology / cell foramtion - reduce the number of setups
Design Standardization - reduce the number of setups.
Use Standard Module - reduce the number of setups.
Work Simplification.
Mechanization or automation - an expensive option.
Procedures for Setup Reduction
SMED can be conducted according to the following steps:
1.Form the setup reduction team.
2.Conduct training and education.
3.Study the setup process (e.g., use video tape).
4.Classify setup operations into waste, internal setups (IED), and external setups (OED).
-Waste - Operation which do not add values to the setup.
-Internal Setups - Operations that can only be performed while the machine is shut down.
-External Setups - Operations that can be performed without shutting down the machine.
5.Eliminate the waste.
6.Convert as many internal setups as possilbe to external setups.
-Use standard insert module.
7.Improve internal setups (include adjustment).
-Use specially designed cart to organize tools.
-Use quick-release fasteners instead of bolts and nuts.
-Use stoppers to quickly position the jigs.
-Use rolling bolsters instead of cranes.
-Use overhang mechanisms to handle heavy jigs.
-Use locating pins and holes (socket) to eliminate the adjustment.
-Use standardized die height.
8.Improve external setups.
-Apply visual control principles.
-Use checklist to avoid omission.
-Use specially designed cart to help organize tools.
-Organize workplace (5S) to reduce search.
9.Develop the standard operating procedure (SOP).
10.valuate the performance of setup reduction.
11.Prepare for the next setup reduction project.
Toolkits for Setup Reduction
Many toolkits can be applied to help setup reductions. For instance:
-Visual Control.
-5S Checklist.
-Specially designed setup cart.
-Workplace organization (5S).
-Railed cart.
-Standardized baseplate and socket.
-Attachment plate.
-Overhang tools.
-Quick fasteners -- clamping cam, crank, clamping (lock) lever.
-Standardized die height.
-Locating pins.
-Stopper.