Marcelino, Grace Joy T.

BAAC 2A

Areas of Technology

Machine Technology

 The act of implementing the control of equipment with technology; usually involving electronic
hardware.
 Numerical Controlled Machines
o Numerical Control (CN)
 Machine that is controlled by set of instructions in the form of numbers, letter, and
symbols called program.
 Programs are fed into the punch cards.
 It is very difficult to modify the program in numerical control machine if some error
occurs and debugging is needed. You will have to change the program in the tape
and feed it to the machine again even for the tiny change.
 To operate a numerical control machine, the high skilled operator is required.
Maintenance cost is less for NC machine.
 In numerical control machines, the programs cannot be stored. It has no memory
storage, and it runs off the tape each time the machine cycles.
 Have a controller known as machine control unit or MCU that is capable of reading
and interpreting a stored program and using the instructions in this to control a
machine via an actuation device.
 Offer less flexibility and computational capability. Has more time consumed for the
execution of the job and it is not possible to run continuously.
o Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
 Used to control motions of the workpiece and tool with a computer program written
in alphanumeric data. The program consists of precise instructions about the
manufacturing method as well as the movements.
 Programs are fed directly into the computer using small keyboard.
 Modification of the program is very easy. You just have changed a variable in the
computer to modify the program.
 This machine has memory storage and programs can be stored in its control.
 To operate a computer numerical control, the less skilled operator will work.
 The programs can be stored in the computer and can be used again and again.
 CNC machines offer additional flexibility and computational capability.
 The accuracy of CNC machines is higher as compared to NC. It takes less time on
CNC machines for the execution for the job.
 You can run CNC machine continuously for 24 hours a day.
 Cost of CNC machines are very high while cost of NC machines is less.
o Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
 A process set in a manufacturing unit where a set of machines is controlled by a
programed computer with the help of direct connection to the same.
 Also called Distributed Numerical Control.
 Based on real-time data and involves data collection from the machines and passing
the same to the mainframe, at regular intervals. The operator will be in control of
the mainframe computer through remote accesses.
 Will not contain a tape reader. Instead, it has several part programs that are
transferred to the machines from the computer memory.
 Designed in such away that it provides separate instructions to every machine on
the systems. In case, where the machine immediate control command, they are sent
across immediately.
 Contains a mainframe computer, huge memory capacity, connectivity between the
machine and computers, and machine tools.
 DNC avoids the wage of punched taps and the reader from the system.
 Useful for time management and increased productivity.
 Helps in building centralized control for the machines.
 Helps the business to increase computational ability.
 It supports management information systems effectively.
 DNC systems can be placed at a distance from machines, because it not a integral
part of machines.
  Has high processing power.

Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)

 An automated tracking system that displays other vessels in the vicinity. It is a broadcast
transponder system which operates in the VHF mobile maritime band.
 Provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including identification, position,
course, and speed with other nearby ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) stations. This
information can be displayed on a screen or an Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS) display.
 AIS is intended to assist the vessel’s watch standing offices and allow maritime authorities to track
and monitor vessel movements. It works by integrating a standardized VHF transceiver system
with an electronic navigating system.
 Used in navigation primarily for collision avoidance.
 Objectives of Automatic Identification Systems:
o Safety of life at sea
o Safety and efficiency of navigation
o Protection of the marine environment

  Barcodes
o A visual representation of data that is scanned and interpreted for information. Each
barcode contains a certain code which works as tracking technology for products; and is
represented in a sequence of lines or other shapes.
 o This barcode technology can be scanned by barcode readers along with newer technology
on devices such as smartphones and desktop printers.
o Barcodes work with the same accuracy on various materials in which they are placed.
o Barcodes are a universal technology in that they are the norm for retail products; stores
that own a barcode reader can process barcodes from anywhere in the world.

 Radio Frequency-Identification technology (RFID)

o A tag affixed to a product which identifies and tracks the product via radio waves. These
tags can carry up to 2,000 bytes of data.
o This technology has three parts: a scanning antenna, a transceiver with a decoder to
interpret the data and a transponder (RFID tag) pre-set with information.
o The scanning antenna sends out a radio-frequency signal providing a means of
communication with the RFID tag. When the RFID tag passes through the frequency field of
the scanning antenna; it detects the activation signal and can transfer the information data
in holds to be picked up by the scanning antenna.
o Can read RFID tags from a greater distance than barcodes.
o RFID contain high levels of security; data can be encrypted, password protected or set to
include a ‘kill’ feature to remove data permanently.
 o RFID tags carry large data capabilities such as product maintenance, shipping histories and
expiry dates, which can all be programmed to the tag.
o RFID tags are more reusable and rugged as they are protected by a plastic cover.

Process Control

 Sensors, often analog devices, collect data.

 Analog devices read data on some periodic basis, perhaps once a minute or once a second.
 Measurements are translated into digital signals and transmitted to digital computer.
 Computer programs read the file (digital data) and analyze the data.
 Output may be a: message on printer or console, signal to a motor to change a value setting,
warning light or horn, process control chart, etc.
Robots

 Machines that hold, move, or grasp items.

 Perform monotonous or dangerous tasks.
 Used when speed, accuracy, or strength are needed.
Vision System

 Defined as a prebuilt solution that is ready to configure and deploy, containing the sensor,
processor, and software.
 Generally used to automate manufacturing and secure product quality, the use of vision
systems in non-industrial applications such as medical, traffic, sports or entertainment is
becoming common.
 Smart cameras and sensors
o Smart cameras are an elegant solution that combines the sensor, processor, and I/O in a
compact housing, often no bigger than a standard industrial camera. These products offer
an intuitive user interface that can be understood easily with training. For configuration of
the inspection task a separate computer (i.e., a laptop) is required that will be connected to
the smart camera via a network interface, however, during runtime no connection to this
computer is necessary. Accessories such as expanded I/O, display units or extended
interface modules are also available.

 Compact vision systems

 o Based on embedded processing technology and combine the processor, industrial
communication interfaces and support for multiple cameras in a robust, compact industrial
housing. These systems offer optimized heat dissipation and enable the use of fast
processors at maximum performance, allowing the simultaneous operation of multiple
cameras. Compact vision systems generally include an inbuilt graphical user interface that
can be operated directly with a touch screen monitor or mouse and keyboard. Live images
and results can be displayed on a monitor connected directly to the system.

 PC based vision systems

o Where the application requirements go beyond a compact vision system in terms of
processing power, number and types of cameras, or where dedicated FPGA processors are
required, vision systems are often based on an industrial PC either in a 19" rack or a
compact panel mounted unit. The open bus architecture enables assembly of bespoke
systems and fitting of additional interface cards. As far as user software is concerned a
wide choice of easy-to-use graphical user interfaces are available along with programming
libraries for development of bespoke applications.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

  Also called AS-RS or ASRS—is a type or genre of warehouse automation technology specifically
designed to buffer, store, and retrieve product and inventory on demand.
 Provide for automatic placement and withdrawal of parts and products into and form designated
place in a warehouse.
 Were once considered out of reach by many smaller order fulfillment operations and retail
warehouses, who did not have the budget to invest in such advanced technology.
 AS/RS technology varies substantially, and can consist of shuttles, cranes, carousels, vertical lift
modules (VLMs), micro-loads, mini-loads, unit-loads, or other systems.
 It is often integrated with a warehouse execution software (WES), warehouse management
software (WMS), or other controls.

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

 Using automated machine (DNC) and materials handling equipment together.

 Often connected to centralized computer.
 Also called automated work cell.
 Process the workpiece from where it may be stored through the welding process and onto its final
location in the factory.
 They can have several positions for loading and unloading the pallets carrying the workpieces.
  Systems may use one or more robots, and several different types of work- pieces can be welded
one after the other, with only short changeover times. The use of buffer stocks enables production
to continue completely unattended for some time. The entire facility is monitored and controlled
by a supervisory computer system.

Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

 Refers to the use of computer-controlled machineries and automation systems in manufacturing

products.
 CIM combines various technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) to provide an error-free manufacturing process that reduces manual labor
and automates repetitive tasks.
 The CIM approach increases the speed of the manufacturing process and uses real-time sensors
and closed-loop control processes to automate the manufacturing process. It is widely used in the
automotive, aviation, space and ship-building industries.