6. Standard Components

Question 1

What is a standard component?

Answer 1

A standard component is usually and individual part or component manufactured in thousands or millions to the same specification

Question 2

True or false?

Standard components are usually bought in rather than manufactured by the company

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Name 5 advantages to standard components

Answer 3

Reduced costs- components are mass manufactured
Ensures consistency/less waste/improved quality assurance- less likely to have a faulty/incorrect component
Ease of ordering because they are standard sizes
Speeds up product development- designers don’t have to design each individual part
Speeds up production process
Assembly costs cheaper than other methods
Allows JIT (just in time)
Standard sizes simplifies production process
Greater flexibility in manufacture (can be used on other products)
No specialist skills required- simplifies staff training
Simplifies assembly- simplifies self-assembly using basic tools
Non-permanent fixings allow for disassembly
Customers can buy components in retail shops.

Question 4

Name 5 disadvantages of standard components

Answer 4

Delivery issues
Costs
Dealing with third party-e.g contracts, relationship, stability of supplier
Quality assurance 
Sustainability issues
Restrictions in design