Scales of Production Flashcards
Name 4 scales of production.
One-offs
Batch Production
Mass Production
Continuous Production
What is ‘One-off’ production?
Products that have been designed and manufactured for a single, specific situation.
Give an example of ‘One-off’ production.
A pair of wrought iron gates that fit a specific gap.
Custom made bicycle frame for a competition rider.
A bespoke piece of jewellery or furniture.
What are the pros and cons to ‘One-off’ production?
(+) The product is exactly to the customers need, and it is only one of a kind.
(-) Most one-off products have been made by hand using a wide variety of equipment and techniques. This means it is usually very expensive to buy.
What is ‘Batch’ production?
The manufacture of a set number of products, ranging from just a few products to thousands.
Give an example of ‘Batch’ production.
Ceramics
Cars
When and why are jigs used?
They are used when a number of the same product are going to be manufactured. They allow a single process to be repeated easily with accuracy and speed.
Give an example where a jig is used.
Where a number of wrought irons gates are required to be made all the same size, then a jig could be used to ensure all the lengths cut are of the same size, reducing the need for additional measuring.
What is ‘Mass’ production?
The production of large quantities of a standardised article (often using assembly line techniques)
Give and example of ‘Mass’ production.
There is one product that comes very close, polystyrene cups. Once they are used, they are recycled, and the material used again to produce more of the cups.
What is ‘Continuous’ production?
The process where the product is continuously being manufactured.
Give an example of ‘Continuous’ production.
The steel industry - where the hot steel is continuously being cast into ingots for rolling into various sections.
