COMPUTERIZATION & AUTOMATION

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

• Processing

• Assembly

• Inspection

• Material handling

Reduced or virtually no human participation

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
Examples
• Automated machine tools
• Automated assembly systems
• Industrial robots performing processing or assembly operations
• Automatic material handling and storage systems
• Automatic inspection systems
AUTOMATED SPOT WELDING PROCESS
AUTOMATED SPOT WELDING PROCESS
AUTOMATED MACHINE TOOL
AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY AND INSPECTION
AUTOMATED MATERIAL HANDLING
AUTOMATION TYPES
• Fixed automation

• Programmable automation

• Flexible automation
FIXED AUTOMATION
Sequence of processing operations is fixed;

• High initial investment

• High production rates

• Inflexibility to product variety

Example: automated assembly lines

PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATION
• New program, new product
• General purpose equipment
• Higher hardware changeover times
• Lower production than fixed automation
• Low to medium production rates
• Variety production
• Suitability for batch production
Examples: industrial robots, PLC’s
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION
• Very less changeover time
• No constraints of producing in batches
• Can handle soft variety
• Continuous production of variety parts possible
• Medium production rates
• Flexibility to deal with product design variations
Example: machining processes
COMPARISON
REASONS TO AUTOMATE
• Increased productivity
• Reduced labour cost
• Less dependence on labour
• Elimination of routine clerical tasks
• Improved safety
• Improved quality
• Reduced manufacturing lead time
• Some processes can’t be performed manually
WHY MANUAL LABOUR IN
MANUFACTURING?
• Task technologically too difficult to automate
• Short product life cycle
• Customized product
• Demand variations
• Need to reduce risk of product failure
• Lack of capital
DIFFICULT TO AUTOMATE
WHY LABOUR IN MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
SYSTEMS
Even in 100% automated system humans are required for;
• Decision making
• Learning
• Evaluating
• Managing
• Equipment maintenance
• Upgradation
• Plant management