Simultaneous engineering for die-mold industry: A practical approach

The Slovenian industry is strategically oriented in favour of small and medium-sized companies with product according to the clients order. Companies must be agile so that they can survive on the market. In this paper a model of simultaneous engineering in the manufacture of tools, dies and moulds is shown. The aim of introduction of this model was: increase in productivity of development and production methods for at least 2 times, minimum investment in complementary equipment and know-how, maximal transfer of data between the customers and manufactures without much paperwork, and development of expertise. Research and development methods used: systematisation of detailed designing and technology, development of modem methods and their application in the development and business transactions, and testing of solutions in conditions that occur in production companies. The model was tested in production of tools according to the principles of simultaneous engineering. We mutually connected two tool-making workshops, two industrial development institutes and the research laboratory from the University.