Topic 4

Question 1

Definition of One-off scale of production

Answer 1

An individual (often craft-produced) prototype for larger scale production.

Question 2

Definition of Continuous scale of production

Answer 2

The continuous production of large amounts of standardized products.

Question 3

Definition of Batch scale of production

Answer 3

Limited volume production with a set number of items to be produced.

Question 4

Definition of Mass Customization

Answer 4

A sophisticated computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) system that manufactures products to individual customer orders. The benefits of economies of scale are gained whether the order is for a single item or for thousands.

Question 5

Definition of Craft production

Answer 5

A small-scale production that centers on small manual skills. Everything produced is unique.

Question 6

Definition of Mechanized Production

Answer 6

Machines controlled by man for production.

Question 7

Definition of Automated Production

Answer 7

A volume production process involving machines controlled by computers for production.

Question 8

Definition of Assembly Production Line

Answer 8

A volume production process where products and components are moved continuously along a flow line.

Question 9

What are the principles of Assembly Production Line?

Answer 9

• Work division
• Pre-processing of materials
• Standardization

Question 10

What is Design for Assembly?

Answer 10

Design taking into account assembly at various levels. For example, component to component, components into sub-assemblies and sub-assemblies into complete products. It minimizes the number of parts.

Question 11

What is Design for Disassembly?

Answer 11

Designing a product so that it can be easily and economically taken apart. Some methods are using thermoplastic adhesives instead of thermoset adhesives, using temporary joining techniques and to design products using one material only.

Question 12

What is Design for Materials?

Answer 12

Designing in relation to materials during processing.

Question 13

What is Design for Process?

Answer 13

Designing to enable the product to be manufactured using a specific manufacturing process. For example, injection molding.

Question 14

Primary characteristics of Industrial Robots

Answer 14

• Work Envelope: Refers to the 3D space a robot can operate within, considering clearance and reach.
• Load Capacity: Refers to the weight a robot can carry.

Question 15

First generation robots

Answer 15

A first generation robot is a simple mechanical arm that has the ability to make precise motions at high speeds repeatedly and for long periods of time. They work both alone and in groups, and require constant human supervision.

Question 16

Second generation robots

Answer 16

More complex robots equipped with sensors that give them information about their surroundings. They can synchronize with one another and don’t require constant human supervision. However, they are controlled by an external control unit that processes the information from the sensors and adjusts them accordingly.

Question 17

Third generation robots

Answer 17

Autonomous and can operate without human supervision. They have their own central control unit.

Question 18

Single Task vs. Multi Task Robots

Answer 18

Single: A single task robot can only carry out one task at a time.

Multi: A multi-task robot can carry out more than one task at a time.

Question 19

Teams of robots

Answer 19

Groups of robots working together to carry out tasks. This speeds up the rate of production.

Question 20

Machine to Machine

Answer 20

Refers to wired and wireless communication between robots/CNC machines.

Question 21

Advantages and Disadvantages of using robots in automated production

Answer 21

A:
- Increased productivity
- Reduction in errors
- Accuracy and reduced waste
- Work in hazardous situations instead of people

D:
- High set-up costs
- Less job opportunities
- High maintenance costs