Improving Efficiency in Die Casting with Shibaura Machine's Integrated Cell Management Solution

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL, Aug 19, 2021 - 

Die casting is a complex process. In the early days that meant dividing all the tasks into separate rooms, but as technology advancements have been made the entire process often happens under one small section of floor space. This leaves all departments processing the part in that small space. While that has its advantages, it also means many single components in one area. If one missed step, detail, or error occurs the entire process may be forced to a halt. 

Consider if the ladle misses pours because the cup was not cleaned and coated, or if the robot drops a part because engineering did not get the tooling correct. While in the past a stoppage like this would not affect the shipping department for days, now the effects are immediate. Oftentimes an operator unskilled in the problem is forced to figure out a solution. How much time is being wasted to recover? Simple things that appear to cause very little lost time can actually be costing hours in a day!

Combatting this type of downtime is a real challenge for foundries, resulting in slower overall production and lost revenue. Shibaura Machine recognized foundries could gain a competitive advantage through complete integration of the die-casting cell components into a single cell management system. Engineering the system as a whole allows foundries to operate smarter by boosting productivity and improving unplanned downtime recovery.

Success with Total Integration 

A die casting cell that can be controlled from one operator station improves Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and will be a key focus in the coming years to gain competitive advantage. 

Shibaura Machine's totally integrated die casting cells put the insights into the hands of a single operator. This allows foundries to recover from process stoppage in one location, using a simple interface. With one control logic, it also means all levels of plant personnel can learn the system in minutes. This ensures the cell gets back up and running quickly, saving time, resources, and helping maximize safety. 

Balance Performance and Cost Effectiveness

Using a simple totally integrated one source cell offers the best way to improve recovery from unplanned downtime. 

As a global market leader in die casting equipment, Shibaura Machine has supplied over 1500 casting machines since 1975 to North America manufacturers. We continue to work with our customers to co-create greater value and help improve the world around us.

Contact our team to learn more about our totally integrated die casting cell management systems.