Scales of Production

Question 1

What is one-off production?

Answer 1

The manufacturing of individual unique, item which is designed and made to meet a client’s specification

Question 2

What are the advantages of a one-off product?

Answer 2

• High-quality
• Unique, as can be customised to the user’s need
• No set-up cost, as existing equipment can be used

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of a one-off product?

Answer 3

• Involves a specialised process requiring a highly skilled workforce
• Expensive
• slow

Question 4

Give some examples of one-off products.

Answer 4

• Bespoke pieces furniture

- Built-in wardrobes to fit in an individual house

Question 5

What is batch production?

Answer 5

A batch is simply a limited quantity of goods or material produced in a single manufacturing run.

Question 6

What are the advantages of a batch?

Answer 6

• A limited number of identical products are produced.

- The cost of the product is reduced as materials can be brought in bulk and processing times are reduced

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of a batch?

Answer 7

High initial set-up costs can be expensive, through the involvement and purchase of machinery and manufacturing aids.

-Requires jigs, templates and moulds, which requires time to make

Question 8

Give some examples of one-off batch.

Answer 8

• A set of identical chairs for a dining table.
• Frames for sofas
• Wooden bedframes

Question 9

What is mass production?

Answer 9

The manufacture of a product in large numbers and at a low cost, utilizing specialized equipment and a division of labour.

Question 10

What are the advantages of a mass production?

Answer 10

• Large quantities of identical products are produced

- The cost is further reduced as computer-aided manufacture can utilised

Question 11

Define CAM

Answer 11

Computer-aided manufacture

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of a mass production?

Answer 12

• High initial set-up costs can be expensive, through the involvement and purchase of machinery and manufacturing aids.
• Products lose their individuality

Question 13

Give some examples of mass production.

Answer 13

• Flat-pack furniture
• Kitchen cupboard
• Kitchen worktops
• Bookcases

Question 14

What is continuous production?

Answer 14

Continuous production is a flow production method used to manufacture, produce, or process materials without interruption, usually the same product for 24/7.

Question 15

What are the advantages of continuous production?

Answer 15

• The unit cost of a product is significantly reduced as materials can be purchased in vast quantities.
• A very high demand can be satisfied

Question 16

What are the disadvantages of continuous production?

Answer 16

• Initial set-up are very high, often requiring a dedicated factory being built.
• There is likely to be extensive to use of robotics and CAM.