Lean and Design for Six Sigma Applications in Tool Design

Lean manufacturing as applied to tooling uses value stream mapping to best utilize the tool as part of an overall manufacturing process. Continuous improvement (kaizen) is also a continuing process in improving the functionality and reduced setup time of the tool. The 5S methodologies can be used for tooling maintenance and upkeep. Design for six sigma and quality function deployment used concurrently can provide the "roadmap" for a successful tool design. Using the tools of lean manufacturing, design for six sigma, quality function deployment, and nontraditional tool costing, tooling can be justified for new, low-volume, and even offsite applications. Presented at: AeroDef Manufacturing 2013 Conference and Exposition, SME, March 19-21, 2013, Long Beach, CA.