SMED implementation for the elimination of bottlenecks in the mold change process in the plastic injection molding line

Abstract

This article explores the implementation of the SMED methodology in a plastic injection line, with a specific focus on optimizing mold change processes. This activity, critical in the sector, represents one of the main bottlenecks that disrupt the continuous production flow and reduce the competitiveness of companies in an increasingly demanding global market. The SMED methodology focuses on converting internal activities into external ones, standardizing procedures, and significantly reducing the time associated with mold changes. By doing so, it minimizes production interruptions, enhances operational efficiency, and improves flexibility in response to market demand fluctuations. This study highlights how applying SMED not only optimizes changeover times but also fosters an organizational culture oriented toward continuous improvement and operational excellence. Through the analysis of a specific production line, this technique is demonstrated to reduce costs, increase responsiveness, and mitigate bottlenecks that hinder the overall performance of operations without compromising the integrity of the product or the operators.