Indo MIM
Metal Injection Molding
Comprehensive SMED Solution for Indo MIM
Global SMED Implementation Across Two Continents
Challenge & Solution
The Challenge
- Indo MIM needed a comprehensive SMED solution for their facilities in India and USA. Key challenges included: no crane availability in the USA facility preventing vertical loading, space constraints on some molds for standard couplings, strict budget requirements, need for operator self-sufficiency to minimize costs, and integration with existing machine controls.
The Solution
- SELPLAST engineered a complete SMED ecosystem including mold storage racks, electric and manual moving cars, docking systems, hydraulic clamping, multi-couplings, and full integration with machine HMI. The solution was designed for operator self-installation to save over $80,000 in costs.
Before & After Comparison
Quantified operational improvements
| Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mold Change Time | >30 minutes | <9 minutes | >70% reduction |
| Installation Cost | $80,000+ | Self-installed | $80,000 saved |
| Mold Handling | Crane required | Horizontal loading | Crane-free operation |
These improvements represent measurable operational enhancements achieved through our solution implementation
Key Results
Measurable improvements achieved through our solutions
<9
Minutes
Target changeover time achieved
1,200
kg
Maximum mold weight handled
$80,000
Saved
Through self-installation
2
Countries
Simultaneous implementation
Implementation Details
- Mold Storage Racks for organized mold management
- Fully Electric Moving Cars for automated mold transport
- Manual Moving Cars as backup and interim solution
- Docking Rails for precise mold positioning
- Pre Rollers and Support Blocks retrofitted on machine platens
- Free Rollers with mold safety and centering features
- MOD double-acting hydraulic clamping (hydraulically actuated, mechanically locked)
- Full integration with machine HMI for enhanced safety and automation
- Ejector Couplers for quick connection
- Standard 6+6 multi-couplings for water on core side
- Customized 3+3 multi-couplings for cavity side due to space constraints
Solutions & Products Used
Mold Handling System
Electric and manual moving cars with docking rails
Hydraulic Clamping System
MOD double-acting clamps with mechanical locking
Multi-Coupling System
Customized water/hydraulic quick connections
Integration Package
Machine HMI integration with safety features
Additional Benefits
- Comprehensive training program in Bangalore facility
- Customer team fully trained for self-sufficiency
- Standardized 'Project Playbook' for consistent implementation
- Solution scalable across 100+ machines and thousands of molds
- No rework required on existing systems
- Suitable for greenfield facilities without overhead cranes