Rapid changeover – a pre‐requisite for responsive manufacture

Abstract

The ability to effect rapid changeover on a manufacturing line, from one product to another, is a key pre‐requisite for increased flexibility, lead time reduction and responsive manufacture. However it is a rarity for changeover times to be part of the design specification of a new machine tool or tooling system and even when it is, there are few design guidelines for translating the required changeover time into reality. This paper describes a set of “design for changeover” rules that have been derived from action research, carried out within a variety of companies. The rules address the design of machines, tooling, ancillary equipment and the products themselves and their use has been shown, through case studies, to lead to a significant reduction in changeover time and a leaner, more responsive manufacturing environment.

Citation

Mileham, A.R., Culley, S.J., Owen, G.W. and McIntosh, R.I. (1999), "Rapid changeover – a pre‐requisite for responsive manufacture", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 785-796. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443579910274383