Cycle time

Cycle time, a key concept in manufacturing, refers to the duration a specific production programme requires to run through the entire process once. An illustrative example of this is the injection moulding process, in which raw material is injected, shaped and the finished product removed. The cycle time begins when the process is started and ends when the product is completed and the machine is ready for the next cycle.

Optimising cycle time is a decisive objective in manufacturing optimisation. By reducing cycle time, production costs can be significantly lowered, since less time and energy are required to manufacture each individual part. This can be achieved through various measures, such as optimising machine settings, using more efficient manufacturing technologies or improving the workflow in order to minimise downtime.

An effective reduction in cycle time not only leads to cost savings, but can also increase productivity and shorten lead times. Cycle time is therefore an important factor for a company's competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market environment.