1.4 Production Techniques And Systems

Question 1

What is automation?

Answer 1

The use of machines to do a task automatically without much human input

Question 2

Why is automation sometimes not used?

Answer 2

Some people prefer hand crafted products and are happy to pay a higher price, such as furniture and cars

Question 3

What is PDM?

Answer 3

Product data management which is a software where all information is stored centrally, updated live and is accessible to all employees that need the information

Question 4

Advantages of PDM?

Answer 4

Reduces mistakes, helps teams work together, good for planning and forecasts

Question 5

What are the advantages of automation?

Answer 5

Increases speed
More accurate and consistent while humans can make mistakes
Robots can be used in dangerous situations
Doesn’t need to have days off for being sick

Question 6

Disadvantages of automation

Answer 6

Fewer jobs for humans
Expensive
Require maintenance
Don’t have human judgement

Question 7

What is CAD?

Answer 7

Computer aided design which means using a computer to design a product over pencil and paper

Question 8

What is Computer Numerical Control?

Answer 8

A series of machine code for drawing control by machines

X coordinate - left right
Y coordinate - forward and backward
Z coordinate - up and down

Motor speed and tools are also controlled

Question 9

Advantages of CAD

Answer 9

Designs can be altered easily
Faster and easier to draw complex shapes and saves time
Easily storable 
Designs can be copied
Designs can be worked in by teams
Designs can be sent
Testing and rendering can be stimulated

Question 10

Disadvantages of CAD

Answer 10

Complex to learn
Expensive
Compatibly 
Regular updates and changes
Security risk
Data can be lost

Question 11

Advantages of CAM

Answer 11

Faster than traditional tools and machines
More accurate
Runs 24/7
Compatible with software

Question 12

Disadvantages of CAM

Answer 12

Expensive
Training needed
Specialist engineers needed for maintenance
Leads to unemployment of specialists

Question 13

Why is tracking important and how is it done?

Answer 13

Tracking is important to monitor stock levels, and movement of products and can be done by tagging with scanners which update a computer system

Question 14

What is flexible manufacturing system?

Answer 14

Machines that carry out different stages of production and can be adapted if the design or process is altered

New machines can also be added, eg robot arms have multiple uses

Question 15

What is lean manufacturing?

Answer 15

A method based on eliminating and reducing waste produced. The aim is to minimise costs and materials and maximise efficiency

Question 16

What is Just In Time?

Answer 16

A system if stock control which is lean manufacturing where materials and components are delivered as they are needed and used as soon as they are needed

Question 17

Advantages of just in time

Answer 17

No storage space is needed which saves money
Money is not tied up in unused material
Minimal waste and time
Stock does not become old

Question 18

Disadvantages of just in time

Answer 18

System relies on on time, high quality delivery with no faults

Production can be halted because of one component

No bulk discounts from suppliers

Stock is not ready to be purchased

Question 19

What is subtraction and addition in CAM?

Answer 19

Subtraction is removing material from a solid block and addition is adding, eg 3d printers add material and milling machines remove

Question 20

What are CNC routers?

Answer 20

A machine used for 2d or 3d cutting or engraving of a block of material like wood or plastic

Question 21

Why is a laser cutter?

Answer 21

A machine used to cut wood plastic and fabric using a high power laser to cut through material. Low power can be used for engraving. They are TWO AXIS machines

Question 22

What are 3D printers?

Answer 22

A machine which converts your design to a 3D model by using wax or plastic

Question 23

Global advantages of CAD and CAM

Answer 23

Designs can be sent to be manufactured in another part of the world which saves on shipping. The cost of Labor in other countries is also cheaper