Types of Production Flashcards
What do you know about - Manufacturing – industrial/commercial?
You need to know about Development and production:
- Different scales or systems of production – one-off, low-volume (batch) production and continuous volume production, (mass-production)
- Advantages and disadvantages of these different scales of production
- Lean manufacturing – its influence on product design
- Rapid prototyping, 3D printing, laser, robotics, CAD/CAM/CNC – their influence on product design
- New materials – their influence on product design (i.e. Nanotex™, Poron® for shoe soles, Kevlar® etc)
What is “one off” production?
One off production is the manufacture of a single product/item.
This can include large scale projects, such as a bridge, ship, stadium, multi-storey building or tower, Other examples of one offs are - specialist jewellery, made to measure clothing, bespoke furniture and many more.
Specialist companies manufacturing ‘one offs’, usually employ skilled staff.
What are the characteristics of “one off” production?
- Small specialist companies.
- A skilled workforce - eg. engineering / cabinet making.
- Specialist materials often used.
- High quality products manufactured.
- Products expensive, due to the level of skill required to manufacture them and cost of specialist materials.
- A high standard of quality control.
- Products manufactured for a specialist market / clientele.
Examples of “one off” Production types.
Prototypes
Specialist Models
Handmade Items
Specialist Engineering
What is “batch” production?
When tens, hundreds or even thousands of the same product, are manufactured on a production line, this is called Batch Production.
Batch production takes place on a production line. A production line is one stage of manufactured followed by another stage. A production line can be made up of several or hundreds of different stages.
Companies tend to order batches of products. Customers usually order one.
What are the characteristics of “batch” production?
- Production line is set up.
- One task for each stage of manufacture.
- Semi skilled or unskilled workers - Flexible workforce.
- Production line can manufacture different products.
- Production line runs for a limited time.
Examples of “batch” Production types.
Garden Bench
Special Edition Car
Batch Manufactured Socks
Batch Manufactured Table
What is “continuous” production?
When a product is continuously manufactured, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, on a production line, this is called Continuous Production.
Continuous production usually takes place on a semi automated production line. It often involves ‘shifts’ of workers, so that manufacturing is non-stop.
Continuous production ensures that there is a continuous supply of a product with no interruptions or interruptions kept to a minimum.
What are the characteristics of “continuous” production?
- Semi-automated production line.
- Skilled and unskilled workers.
- Production line runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- A high level of investment in machinery and equipment.
- Quality control at every stage of production.
Examples of “continuous” Production types.
Food Cans Shampoo Soft Drinks Tap Water Oil Production
What is a “flexible” manufacturing system?
A Flexible Manufacturing System is one that can be changed or adapted rapidly to manufacture different products or components at different volumes of production.
Flexible manufacturing systems are usually seen at their most efficient when manufacturing components rather than finished products.
What is “lean” manufacturing?
Lean manufacturing is a production philosophy that considers the expenditure of resources in any aspect other than the direct creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination..
