Reconfigurability approach in manufacture of moulds and dies

Abstract

Manufacturing of moulds and dies based on the rigid and traditional arrangement of dedicated workstations in a production system can no more stand the test of time. The dynamic and competitive nature of the market is compelling managements in the industry to look for a manufacturing system that (1) will ensure high quality product, (2) will pave way for a quick changeover to a new setup to be able to accommodate the new products, (3) will ensures short lead times in product/process changeover, and (4) that will make its product come out at a relatively low cost. An emerging strategy that might enable industries to cope with the rapidly changing product specifications is based on reconfiguring the manufacturing systems. A manufacturing strategy that is based on reconfiguration of the manufacturing systems may help accommodate emergent product changes in short periods at the lowest possible costs by combining certain levels of flexibility and customised automation. In this paper the principles of reconfigurability is being considered for mould and die making industry.