13 - Design for manufacture and project management - Different production scales

Question 1

Medium-scale production

Answer 1

For example, batch production of prestige vehicles or aircraft

• Extensive use of jigs or fixtures is required to ensure consistency
• Reliance on high skill levels and the use of sophisticated measuring devices
• Highly accurate CNC machinery is used

Question 2

Small-scale production

Answer 2

For example, bespoke furniture manufacture

• Slight inaccuracies may add to the bespoke nature of some products and therefore be acceptable
• Attention to dimensional accuracy is essential for functioning elements, requiring high skill
• A range of measuring devices would be used, such as calipers and gauges
• Use of templates
• Use of traditional tools require high skill and good hand-eye coordination

Question 3

Large-scale production

Answer 3

For example, the mass production of polymer or glass drinks bottles

• Sample testing of dimensions and other elements both during and after manufacture
• Constant monitoring of processes to ensure a zero-fault system
• Machines and tools maintained, replaced and aligned regularly
• Moulds replaced regularly
• High skill levels are not required, as it is mostly automated and computerised.