Manufacturing Systems | Industrial Automation

Summary

In this lecture, we explore the concept of a manufacturing system, which is a collection of integrated equipment and human resources that work together to process or assemble raw materials into finished products. The video outlines the key components of a manufacturing system, including production machines, material handling systems, computer systems, and human resources. It also covers the different types of manufacturing systems: single station cells, production lines with fixed routing, and flexible manufacturing systems with variable routing. Each system type is explained with examples to help learners understand their applications in modern industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Manufacturing systems are collections of integrated equipment and human resources that perform operations on raw materials to create finished products.
• 😀 The core function of a manufacturing system is to add value to raw materials, turning them into completed products.
• 😀 A manufacturing system's flow diagram illustrates how various components interact and control the production process.
• 😀 The manufacturing support system focuses solely on product manufacturing and quality, without involving automation, control technologies, or material handling operations.
• 😀 The four major components of a manufacturing system are: production machines and tools, material handling systems, computer systems, and human resources.
• 😀 Material handling systems are responsible for tasks like positioning work units for processing and transporting them between workstations or to storage.
• 😀 Computer systems oversee the operation of the manufacturing system, ensuring communication of instructions, diagnosing faults, and monitoring quality and safety.
• 😀 The involvement of human resources in a manufacturing system depends on the level of automation, ranging from full engagement to mere supervision.
• 😀 There are three types of manufacturing systems: single-station cells, multi-station systems with fixed routing, and flexible manufacturing systems (FMS).
• 😀 Single-station cells are cost-effective and flexible, often used in manual or semi-automated setups, and are easy to implement in various manufacturing environments.
• 😀 Multi-station systems with fixed routing, or production lines, are primarily used for mass production of a single product type, with work units passing through a series of workstations.
• 😀 Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) use variable routing to produce medium quantities of a range of products with differing styles and processes.

Q & A

What is a manufacturing system?

A manufacturing system is a collection of integrated equipment and human resources whose function is to perform one or more processing or assembly operations on a starting raw material to convert it into finished products. In simple terms, it adds value to raw materials.

What are the key components of a typical manufacturing system?

A typical manufacturing system consists of four key components: production machines and tools, material handling systems, computer systems, and human resources.

What role do production machines and tools play in a manufacturing system?

Production machines and tools physically perform the operations on the work units to transform them into finished products. They are essential in carrying out the required processing or assembly operations.

How does a material handling system function in a manufacturing system?

A material handling system is responsible for tasks such as positioning work units correctly for loading and unloading and transporting work units between workstations or from workstations to storage warehouses.

What is the role of computer systems in a manufacturing system?

Computer systems integrate and manage the operations of production machines, material handling systems, and other components. They handle tasks like communication of instructions, fault diagnosis, monitoring production quality, and ensuring safety and maintenance.

How does human resource involvement vary in a manufacturing system?

Human resources may vary in involvement depending on the level of automation. In some systems, workers are fully engaged in operations, while in others, they may only supervise or oversee the manufacturing process.

What is a single station cell in a manufacturing system?

A single station cell consists of one workstation where a single worker or machine performs the required operation. These cells can be manual, semi-automated, or fully automated and are generally the easiest and least expensive to implement.

What distinguishes a multi-station system with fixed routing from other systems?

A multi-station system with fixed routing, also known as a production line, involves a series of workstations connected in a fixed sequence. The work unit moves sequentially through each station, where a portion of work is done, and the final product is created by the end of the line.

What are the benefits of a production line with fixed routing?

The production line with fixed routing is ideal for mass production of one product type. It allows for high-speed, repetitive production in large quantities, which is highly efficient and cost-effective for standardized products.

What is a flexible manufacturing system (FMS), and how does it differ from a fixed routing system?

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) involves multiple stations connected via variable routing. It is designed to produce medium quantities of a limited range of products with differences in styles or features. Unlike fixed routing systems, FMS adapts to different production requirements, allowing for flexibility in operations.