single minute exchange of dies


single minute exchange of dies (SMED)

the concept of exchanging the forming die in a metal press or injection or blow molding machine in less than 10 minutes (hence single minute). Developed as part of the Toyota production system, the technique is part of the JUST-IN-TIME philosophy allowing very quick SET-UP TIMES for complex and accurate equipment. In some instances the technique has shortened set-up times from greater than four hours to less than 6 minutes. See LEAN MANUFACTURING.