NPTEL Online Certification Courses

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 1
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

An oil refinery is an example of

a. Custom processing
b. Continuous processing
c. Batch processing
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: A continuous processing operation takes the raw materials and processes them into
finished product with very little, if any, work-in-process. An oil refinery is an example of a
‘continuous processing’ type of manufacturing system.
___________________________________________________________________________
QUESTION 2:

For which type of manufacturing process, there is no flexibility to change into a completely different part?

a. Piece production
b. Batch production
c. Mass production
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: In a mass production system, there is no flexibility to change an existing part or
component or product into a completely different part or component or product.
______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

Which of the following is an example of secondary industry?

a. Food processing
b. Education
c. Mining
d. Entertainment

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Secondary industries convert the outputs of the primary industries into products.
Manufacturing is the principal activity in this category. Automotive, food processing, computers, and
furniture are a few examples of secondary industry.
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QUESTION 4:

Which type of manufacturing system may combine several processes in one machine, and may also vary each
process?

a. Continuous production
b. Batch production
c. Job-shop production
d. Mass production

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: A typical job-shop production system may combine several processes in one machine, and
may also vary each process.
______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

Which of the following is not a part of ‘Four-Plane’ Concept of Manufacturing?

a. Planning and control

b. Design of the product
c. Material flow
d. Manufacturing process

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Four-Plane Concept of Manufacturing consists of four interrelated planes, viz.
planning, control, material flow, and manufacturing process.

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QUESTION 6:

Difference between a car and a truck is called

a. Hard Product Variety

b. Soft Product Variety
c. Medium Product Variety
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Hard product variety is when the products differ substantially in design and
manufacturing. In an assembled product, hard variety is characterized by a low proportion of common parts
among the products; in many cases, there are no common parts. The difference between a car and a truck is
hard.

____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

Education is an example of

a. Primary industry
b. Secondary industry
c. Tertiary industry
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Tertiary industries constitute the service sector of the economy. Education belongs
to service sector of a national economy, and hence, a tertiary industry.

QUESTION 8:

Flexible automation is suitable for (2)

a. Products being produced in job-shop

b. Products with mid-volume and mid-variety
c. Products with high-volume and high-variety
d. Products made at higher rate

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Flexible automation is an extension of programmable automation. A flexible

automated system is capable of producing a variety of parts or products with virtually no time lost for
changeovers from one design to the next. There is no lost production time while reprogramming the
system and altering the physical setup (tooling, fixtures, machine settings). Accordingly, the system
can produce various mixes and schedules of parts or products instead of requiring that they be made in
batches. However, flexible automation is feasible in a mid-volume mid-variety production system.
______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

Transfer line in a manufacturing system is used for

a. Faster output
b. Shorter production time
c. Simple operations
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The ‘transfer line’ (an automated assembly line) is an organization of
manufacturing facilities for faster output and shorter production time. The cycle of operations is
simple and fixed, and designed to produce a certain product.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘A continuous processing plant’ is fully automated.’ -the statement is

a. True
b. False
Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true. A typical continuous processing plant is referred to as an
example of ‘hard’ or ‘fixed’ automation wherein its instruments may be connected to varieties of
‘actuating mechanisms’, such as valves, relays, etc. and settings of the systems control parameters
remain fixed even for a long period of time, say 3 to 4 years.
______________________________________________________________________________
*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 2
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

A product must meet the customer expectation of

a. Cost
b. Performance
c. Quality
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: A product produced cannot compete in world markets if it does not meet
customer expectations for quality, cost, and performance simultaneously.

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QUESTION 2:

The American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) has developed quality standards to set guidelines for
implementing a quality management programme for any company. Which concept do these standards
refer to?

a. Continuous Development
b. Quality Planning
c. Quality Trilogy
d. Quality Loop

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Quality standards to set guidelines for implementing a quality management
programme for any company, as developed by the American Society for Quality Control (ASQC), refer
primarily to the concept of ‘quality loop’, and identify all its eleven elements from ‘marketing and market
research’ to ‘disposal after use’.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 3:

What is the main objective of systems approach for quality problem solving?

a. Designing a robust product

b. Identify process of manufacturing
c. Eliminate the variability of the system
d. Identify the root causes of the problems, and take necessary preventive measures or
actions

Correct Answer: d
Detailed Solution: The main objective of systems approach is to identify the root cause(s) of any
problem, and to take necessary preventive measure(s) to eliminate the cause(s).

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

Which type of ‘automation’ is useful for high-volume products? (2)

a. Robots
b. Fixed automation
c. Flexible automation
d. Automation is not suitable for high volume products

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: When high-volume production of a part or a component or a product is the

requirement, a ‘fixed automation’ system is recommended to be used.

_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

Lean manufacturing focuses primarily on

a. Process planning
b. Eliminating wastes
c. Reducing manpower
d. Reducing manufacturing time

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: Lean manufacturing focuses mainly on elimination of ‘wastes’ in all areas with a
focus on minimize inventory, work-in-process, material handling, cost of quality, labour cost, set-up
time, and lead-time.

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QUESTION 6:

Which aspects of quality improvement principle are relevant in product development process?
a. Improvement in quality of product performance
b. Improvement in quality of process performance
c. Systematic implementation through continuously controlling process quality
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Since the time application of quality control and improvement tools and
techniques in organizations started formally in the beginning of the twentieth century, the
concepts of quality control have focused on a few important aspects that have become highly
relevant in product development in recent times. These aspects are related to improvement in
quality of performance in products and processes, and systematic implementation of a new
design of a product through continuously controlling process quality.

_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

Which method uses historical production information to identify similarities in production flow?

a. Visual inspection
b. Classification and coding
c. Production flow analysis
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: ‘Production Flow Analysis’ of PFA uses historical production information to
identify similarities in production flow.
_______________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

The purpose of ‘Group Technology’ or GT is to capitalize on

a. Similarities in manufacturing
b. Similarities in design
c. Variety in parts
d. Both a and b

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The purpose of applying ‘Group Technology’ or GT is to capitalize on similarities

in manufacturing and design.

______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

A JIT-based inventory control system

a. Minimizes the inventory of parts

b. Maximizes the inventory of parts
c. Minimizes service level
d. Takes a long time to identify quality problems

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: A JIT-based inventory control system minimizes the inventory of parts and
components, work-in-process, and finished products by manufacturing a product or ordering parts or
components only when it is needed. As work-in-process inventory levels are reduced, quality problems
are identified and corrected quickly and immediately. With reduced inventories between operations, the
feedback on quality problems is instantaneous and results in a production line stoppage, if needed.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘Producibility specifies if the design requirements are compatible with capability of manufacturing’- the
statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

______________________________________________________________________________
*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 3
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

‘Concurrent engineering’ ensures minimum possible cost, best possible quality, and minimum possible
lead time by selecting

a. Design
b. Manufacturing process
c. Design and manufacturing process serially
d. Design and manufacturing process simultaneously

Correct Answer: d
Detailed Solution: One of the objectives of ‘concurrent engineering’ is to select the design and the
manufacturing process simultaneously so as to ensure minimum possible cost, best possible quality, and
minimum possible lead time.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

‘Quality Function Deployment’ approach is used primarily to

a. Select suppliers
b. Reduce human intervention
c. Meet customers’ requirements
d. Automate the process

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: The Japanese company, Mitsubishi, developed an approach called Quality
Function Deployment (QFD) to meet customers’ requirements responding to ‘voice of the
customers’ throughout the design process and also in the design of corresponding production
systems.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

‘Simultaneous Engineering’ has significant contribution in

a. Increased profit
b. Increase in variety of products
c. Improved manpower utilization
d. Reduction of product development time

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Simultaneous or Concurrent Engineering has significant contribution mainly

in reduction of product development time.
_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

The ‘Technology Coefficient’ of scrap ( ksjk) can be expressed as as (Yojk= Output units, Yijk=Input
units, and Ysjk=Scrap units, SCjk=Fraction of Scrap)

a. ksjk = Ysjk / Yojk

b. ksjk = SCjk /(1- SCjk )
c. ksjk = Ysjk / ( Yijk – Ysjk)
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Technology Co-efficient of scrap (ksjk) can be expressed in all forms as mentioned
in the options. For details, refer to the lecture material and the text book.

______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

In a sheet metal plant, 3,040 kg of stainless steel is used for making 200 sheets of 15.12 kg each.
Calculate the fraction of scrap (SCjk)

a. 0.050
b. 0.005
c. 0.025
d. 0.250

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: Yijk = 3040 kg, Yojk= (200×15.12) = 3024 kg
From the mass balance equation,
Yijk = Yojk + Ysjk
Ysj k=(3040-3024) = 16
Hence, SCjk = Ysjk / Yijk =16/3040=0.00526

or, SCjk = 0.005

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QUESTION 6:

In a manufacturing plant, process A has the setup time of 30 minutes and average processing
time for each unit is 5 minutes. whereas process B has the setup time of 10 minutes and average
processing time for each unit is 5.5 minutes. Which option should a manufacturer may choose in
order to get 250 units of finished units faster? (Technological co-efficient of input= 0.88 and
0.92 for the process A and B, respectively)
a. Process A
b. Process B
c. Any one
d. Redesign the product

Correct Answer: a
Detailed Solution: Using the equation of average manufacturing lead time,
Tj = Sj + tj kijk Yojk
Process A Tj = 30 + (5×0.88×250) = 1130 mins ~ 18hrs 50 mins
Process B Tj = 10 + (5.5×0.92×250) = 1275 mins ~ 21hrs 15 mins
Hence, the manufacturer should choose process A as it has lesser lead time.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 7:

Which of the following may be a source of difficulty while implementing concurrent

engineering?
a. Complex technology
b. Separation of lifecycle functions
c. Characteristics of the design process
d. Both b and c

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Concurrent engineering (CE) is most desirable from the point of view of
reducing cost, improving quality, and decreasing development time. There are, however, certain
sources of difficulty in implementing CE. A few sources of difficulties may be:
i. Characteristics of the design process including complex technology
ii. Volume and variety of the life cycle knowledge
iii. Supervision and control of different life-cycle functions
___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

A product is defined as a ‘robust’ one when

a. It performs well in extreme environmental condition
b. It can be maintained easily
c. It never fails
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: A product is defined as a ‘robust’ one when it performs very well, with minimum
variation in performance, in extreme environmental condition as well as its performance is assured in the
presence ‘noise’ factors. Effect of the ‘noise’ factors on the performance of the product as designed is
minimum.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

While building ‘House of Quality’, what step should be followed after evaluating competing
products or services?

a. Developing targets
b. Relate the customer requirements to the technical requirements
c. Evaluating competitive products and services
d. Conduct an evaluation of competing products

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Building the ‘house of quality’ consists of following six basic steps to be
followed in a sequence:
1. Identify customer requirements
2. Identify technical requirements
3. Relate the customer requirements to the technical requirements
4. Conduct an evaluation of competing products or services
5. Evaluate technical requirements and develop targets
6. Determine which technical requirements to deploy in the remainder of the
production/delivery process.
____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘The decision making process in the concurrent engineering environment does not consider
constraints of all the stages of the product life cycle at every stage.’ – The statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: b
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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Detailed Solution: The statement is false. The decision making process in the concurrent
engineering environment differs from that in sequential engineering in that decisions are taken
considering the constraints of all the stages of the product life cycle at every stage.
____________________________________________________________________________
*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 4
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

Numerical Control (NC) is a form of

a. Fixed Automation
b. Flexible Automation
c. Programmable Automation
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Numerical Control (NC) is a form of ‘programmable automation’ in which the
mechanical actions of a machine tool or other equipment are controlled by a program containing
coded alphanumeric data.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

Numerical Control (NC) automation is best-suited for

a. Low production
b. Low and medium production
c. Medium and high production
d. High production

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: In NC, when a job is completed, the ‘program of instructions’ can be changed to
process a new job. The capability to change the program makes NC suitable for low and medium
production.
___________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

NC drill press uses

a. Continuous path control

b. Two-axis continuous path control
c. Point-to-point control of a work head and two axis control of a worktable
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: NC drill press uses ‘point-to-point’ control of a work head (spindle containing
the drill bit) and two-axis (x–y) control of a worktable..
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

Which of the following is a NOT an advantage of NC?

a. Productive time is reduced

b. Greater accuracy and repeatability
c. Lower scrap and reduced inspection
d. Maintenance cost is reduced

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In all types of NC systems, maintenance cost may be significantly high, and
cannot be reduced easily.
_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

Which of the following statements is not applicable in case of ‘open-loop’ system?

a. This type of control system is used with a special motor, called a stepper motor
b. The control does not need to monitor specifically where the motor is located
c. Open-loop control systems are costly, complex, and difficult to maintain
d. There is no way to correct any errors that might occur during operation

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Open-loop control systems are less costly, less complex, and easier to maintain,
they are used with smaller NC machines, and no special motors like a stepper motor is used in such a
system.

QUESTION 6:

A ‘servo motor’ is used in

a. Linear control system

b. Direct control system
c. Open-loop control system
d. Closed-loop control system

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Conventional variant-speed direct current (DC) motors (also called ‘servos’) are
used with a closed loop control system.

____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

Which axis imparts cutting power in an NC machine?

a. X-axis
b. Y-axis
c. Z-axis
d. Same importance is given to all the axes

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Z-axis is the most important axis for machining, and it is always aligned with the
spindle that imparts cutting power in an NC machine.

QUESTION 8:

What is the function of ‘Resolver’ in an NC system?

a. Controls individual motors

b. Keeping track of the position of the motor
c. Determines how many current pulses are required
d. Keeping track of the number of revolutions of the motor

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: In order to keep track of the position of the motor, a separate position sensor,
called a ‘resolver’, has to be fitted, and the position information so determined is fed back as a signal
to the controller.

____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

What is the secondary linear motion parallel to the primary x motion?

a. U axis
b. V axis
c. W axis
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: There are secondary linear motions parallel to the primary x, y and z motions.
Such supplementary motions are designated U, V, and W, respectively.
____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘In a closed-loop control system, the positional information from the resolver is compared with the
target position and errors, if any, are determined.’- the statement is

a. True
b. False
Correct Answer: a
Detailed Solution: The statement is true.
______________________________________________________________________________
*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 5
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

How many binary digits are used to represent all of the characters required for NC part
programming?
a. 4
b. 8
c. 10
d. 15

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: Eight binary digits are used to represent all of the characters required for NC part
programming. Refer to the lecture materials and text books for details.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

What is considered to be one complete NC instruction?

a. Characters
b. Words
c. Block
d. Digits

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: A word is formed using a sequence of characters. Out of a collection of words, a
block is formed. A block is one complete NC instruction.

___________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

A part programmer’s job is to

a. Define the geometry of the part

b. Specify the tool path
c. Specify operation sequence
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The two main tasks of a part programmer are:

i. Defining the geometry of the part and
ii. Specifying the tool path and operation sequence

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

‘Helical’ Interpolation uses

a. Two axes Linear movement

b. One axis rotational movement
c. Combination of the circular interpolation scheme for two axes with linear movement on
the third axis
d. Combination of the linear interpolation scheme for two axes with rotational movement
of a third axis

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Helical Interpolation combines the circular interpolation scheme for two axes
with linear movement for the third axis.
_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

Which of the following methods may be used to create ‘free-form’ curves using higher order
equations?

a. Linear Interpolation
b. Circular Interpolation
c. Helical Interpolation
d. Parabolic and Cubic Interpolation

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Parabolic and Cubic Interpolations provide approximations of free-form

curves using higher order equations.

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QUESTION 6

Which type of word is used for tool selection in part programming?

a. N-word
b. T-word
c. M-word
d. G-word

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: T-word is used for tool selection in part programming. Refer to lecture material and
text books for details.

_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

For which purpose F-word is used in manual part programming?

a. Feed rate
b. Spindle speed
c. Tool selection
d. Sequence number

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In manual part programming, F-word is used to define feed rate. Refer to lecture
material and text books for details.

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QUESTION 8:

In computer-assisted part programming, how does a part programmer defines ‘Pocket Milling’ of a part?
a. Generates cutter path around the periphery of a part
b. Generates tool path for a series of turning cuts to provide a defined contour on a rotational part
c. Generates the tool path to machine a cavity
d. Generates tool path for a series of cuts to remove excess stock from the end of a rotational part or
to create a shoulder on the part by a series of operations

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: For pocket milling operation in computer-assisted part programming, the part
programmer generates the tool path to machine a cavity. Refer to lecture material and text books for
details.

_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

Interpolator is present in case of

a. Contouring control system
b. Point-to-point open loop system
c. Point-to-point closed loop system
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: a
Detailed Solution: One of the important aspects of contouring is interpolation. The paths that a
contouring-type NC system is required to generate often consist of circular arcs and other smooth
nonlinear shapes. Some of these shapes can be defined mathematically by relatively simple geometric
formulas, whereas others cannot be mathematically defined except by approximation. To ease the burden,
interpolation routines have been developed that calculate the intermediate points to be followed by the
cutter to generate a particular mathematically-defined or approximated path.

Refer to the text books for details.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘For circular interpolation, the generated tool path consists of a series of small straight line
segments’ - the statement is
a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

______________________________________________________________________________
*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 6
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

‘Group Technology’ recognizes similarities by

a. performing like activities together

b. standardizing similar tasks
c. Efficiently storing and retrieving information about recurring problems
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Group technology (GT) is a philosophy that implies the notion of
recognizing and exploiting similarities in three different ways:
i. By performing like activities together,
ii. By standardizing similar tasks, and
iii. By efficiently storing and retrieving information about recurring problems.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

In product design, parts are classified and coded on the basis of

a. Geometric similarities
b. Similarities in material handling
c. Similarities in machining operations
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In product design, parts are classified and coded on the basis of their
geometric similarities. This results in reduced time and cost of product development.
______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

For which type of coding system, each symbol or digit amplifies the information provided in the
previous symbol or digit?

a. Monocode
b. Polycode
c. Mixed code
d. All of the above
Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The structure of ‘monocode’ (also referred to as ‘hierarchical’ code) is like
a tree in which each digit amplifies the information provided in the previous digit.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

Polycode is also known as

a. Chain code
b. Discrete code
c. Fixed-digit code
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: ‘Polycode’ is known by many other names, such as ‘chain’ code, ‘discrete’
code, and ‘fixed-digit’ code.

_____________________________________________________________________________
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Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

In case of polycode

a. Symbols are dependent of each other

b. Symbols are independent of each other
c. Each digit in a specific location of the code describes a unique property of the
workpiece
d. Both b and c

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: In polycode, the code symbols are independent of each other. Each digit in a
specific location of the code describes a unique property of the workpiece considered.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

The Opitz classification system is an example of

a. Monocode
b. Polycode
c. Mixed code
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: ‘Mixed’ code retains the characteristics and advantages of both mono- and
polycode. Majority of the standard coding systems or schemes use this code structure. For
example, the Opitz classification system. For details of such a system, refer to lecture material
and the text books.
____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a ‘transfer line’?

a. Maximum utilization and very high production volume

b. Direct labour involvement is minimal
c. Low unit cost of production
d. Very Flexible

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: In a typical transfer line, machines are dedicated to manufacture of maximum one
or two product types: system permits no flexibility at all. It is also referred to as an ‘automated assembly
line’.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

In Optiz classification system, fifth digit indicates

a. Part class
b. Plane surface machining
c. Additional hole teeth and forming
d. External shape and its elements

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: The first nine codes in Optiz system are intended to convey both design and
manufacturing data. The first five digits are called the ‘form code’. This describes the primary design
attributes of a part or a component or a product. The fifth digit indicates ‘additional hole teeth and
forming’ of the product.

______________________________________________________________________________
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Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

The information storage capacity of monocode

a. Stays constant
b. Grows linearly
c. Grows exponentially
d. Shows non-linearity

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: The information storage capacity of monocodes grows exponentially

compared with the linear growth in the polycodes. However, monocode may take relatively more
time to retrieve information. Refer to lecture material and text books for details.
____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘Cellular manufacturing is an application of GT in manufacturing’ – The statement is

a. True
b. False
Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

______________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******
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Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 7
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ

Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

The primary objective(s) in implementing a cellular manufacturing system is/are to reduce

a. Setup times and flow times

b. Inventories
c. Market response times
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The primary objectives in implementing a cellular manufacturing system or

CMS are to reduce setup times, flow times, inventories, and market response times,
simultaneously.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

The number of stages in production flow analysis (PFA) to form a cell is

a. Two
b. Four
c. Six
d. Eight

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Production Flow Analysis involves four stages, viz. (i) Machine classification,
(ii) Checking Parts List and Production Route Information, (iii) Factory Flow Analysis, and (iv)
Machine Component Group Analysis. Refer to lecture material and text books for details.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 3:

Rank Order Clustering (ROC) algorithm is used to form

a. Prototype
b. Process line
c. Machine-part groups
d. Human-machine interaction

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Rank order clustering (ROC) (King, 1980) is a simple algorithm used to form
machine-part groups.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

Consider a problem of seven machines and nine parts as shown in the table below. Modify the
matrix through row and column exchanges to form cells. The part operations to be performed on
the machines are represented by 1 in the matrix; a blank means no operations. Which machines
will form a cell to produce the parts A, D, and H?
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Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

a. 3, 2, 6
b. 6, 1, 2
c. 1, 5
d. 7, 4

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: The rearranged PFA chart is

Machine 1 and 5 will form a cell to produce the part A, D, and H.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 5:

In a mixed-model part production system, the bypass move is

a. As consecutive operation is carried out on the same machine, the part actually does not
move
b. The part moves forward from the current machine to another machine that is two or more
machines ahead
c. The part moves forward from the current machine to an immediate neighbor
d. The part moves backward from the current machine to another machine

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Determining the most appropriate cell layout depends on the routings of parts
produced in the cell. Four types of part movement can be distinguished in a mixed-model part production
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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system. Bypassing move is the route in which the part moves forward from the current machine to another
machine that is two or more machines ahead.
__________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

In single linkage cluster analysis (SLCA), similarity coefficients between machines are used to construct

a. Histogram
b. Cladogram
c. Programme
d. Dendrogram

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Single-Linkage cluster analysis (SLCA) uses similarity coefficients between
machines. The procedure is to construct a decision tree called ‘dendrogram’. Similarity coefficients
between machines are used to construct the dendrogram.
_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 7:

Refer to the machine-component matrix from Question 4, and calculate the similarity coefficient
between machine 2 and 3

a. 0.33
b. 0.50
c. 0.66
d. 0.75

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution:
Similarity Co-efficient between machine 2 and machine 3=
(Operation Performed on both machine 2 and 3)/(Operation performed on machine 2 + Operation
performed on machine 3)
= 2/(3+2-2) = 0.66

______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 8:

What is the expected distance a part moves between two machines in a cell having square layout
and a group of 9 machines?

a. 0.5
b. 1
c. 1.5
d. 2

Correct Answer: d
Detailed Solution: the expected distance a part moves between two machines in a cell having
square layout and a group of 4 machines = 2(√9/3) = 2
____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 9:

‘Grouping efficacy’ is used for

a. Determining the number of exceptional parts

b. Evaluating economic benefit of forming a cell
c. Evaluating goodness of block diagonal forms of binary matrices
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: c
Detailed Solution: The heuristic algorithms used for forming part families and machine cells
essentially try to rearrange the rows and columns of the matrix to get a block diagonal form.
However, the block diagonal form is usually far from ideal because of the properties of the data,
the inadequacies of the algorithm, or both. It is therefore important to have some measure of
goodness of the solution obtained by any algorithm. Kumar and Chandrasekharan (1990) have
developed an alternative quantitative criterion for evaluating the goodness of block diagonal
forms of binary matrices, called grouping efficacy.
______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 10:

‘Single-Linkage Cluster Analysis (SLCA) uses similarity coefficients between products.’- the
statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: The statement is false. Single-Linkage Cluster Analysis (SLCA) uses
similarity coefficients between machines.
______________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 8
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

What is considered to be ‘external factor’ while implementing flexibility in manufacturing

systems?

a. Change in product design

b. Equipment breakdowns
c. Software failure
d. Variability in processing times

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Flexibility can be defined as a collection of properties of a manufacturing

system that support changes in production activities or capabilities. Normally, the changes are
due to both ‘internal’ and ‘external’ factors. Internal changes could be due to equipment
breakdowns, software failures, worker absenteeism, variability in processing times, and so forth.
Changes in product design, demand, and product mix typically represent external changes.
___________________________________________________________________________
QUESTION 2:

‘Process flexibility’ refers to

a. Ability of a machine to perform a variety of operations

b. Ability to change over to a new set of products
c. Ability to use alternate routes to manufacture a part
d. Ability of a machine to absorb changes in the product mix

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Process flexibility, also known as ‘mix’ flexibility, refers to the ability to
absorb changes in the product mix by performing similar operations or producing similar
products or parts on multipurpose, adaptable, CNC machining centers.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 3:

The measure of machine flexibility is

a. Changeover time
b. Run time
c. Set up time
d. Lead time

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Machine flexibility refers to the capability of a machine to perform a variety of
operations on a variety of part types and sizes. It implies ease with which the parts are changed over from
one part type to another on a machine. The changeover time, which includes setup, tool changing, part-
program transfer, and part move times, is an important measure of machine flexibility.
___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

A highly flexible system may manufacture

a. High variety of parts

b. Medium variety of parts
c. Low variety of parts
d. High volume of parts

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: A highly flexible system permits manufacture of a high variety of parts.

____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

The ability to produce a range of products without adding major capital equipment is known as

a. Machine flexibility
b. Product flexibility
c. Production flexibility
d. Process flexibility

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: ‘Production flexibility’ refers to the ability to produce a range of products without
adding major capital equipment, even though new tooling or other resources may be required.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

Name the type of tool magazine as shown in the diagram below.

a. Disk type
b. Drum type
c. Turret type
d. Chain type

Correct Answer: b
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Detailed Solution: The diagram as shown is of a ‘drum type’ tool magazine. Refer to the lecture
material and text books for details on the types of tool magazines being used.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 7:

What is the role of ‘Traffic Management Control System’ in FMS?

a. Storage and retrieval of data

b. Provide the management status of output performance
c. Help online in the event of alarms due to problems in the operation of the
machining centers and other equipment and systems
d. Tracking the destination of parts for successive operations on machining centers

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The ‘Traffic Management Control System’ is a material handling and storage
control system which coordinates part routing, fixtures, pallets, and tool module with the objective of
tracking the destination of parts for successive operations on machining centers. In addition, it records
and controls the storage and retrieval of parts, tools, fixtures, and pallets for quick availability.

Refer to lecture material and text books for details.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

A ‘product envelope’ refers to

a. Range of products using similar resources
b. Range of products having same cost of manufacturing
c. Range of products that can be produced without manual labour
d. Range of products that can be produced by a manufacturing system

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: A ‘product envelope’ refers to the range of products being produced by a
manufacturing system at a moderate cost and time, and is determined by its ‘process envelope’.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 9:

In a ‘special’ manufacturing system, the machines are laid out to manufacture a family of parts
based on
a. Design
b. Material
c. Process
d. Sequence of operations

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: In a special manufacturing system, the machines are laid out to manufacture a
family of parts based on the sequence of operations.
_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘Product flexibility provides protection against market variability by accommodating changes in

product mix due to the use of shared resources’ - the statement is
a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: The statement is false. Process or Mix flexibility, not product flexibility,
provides protection against market variability by accommodating changes in product mix due to
the use of shared resources.

____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 9
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

Tool allocation policy of an FMS determines

a. Cell size
b. Cell type
c. Batch sizes of parts
d. Parts specification

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Tool allocation policy of an FMS determines the batch sizes of different
parts.
___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

The objective function of Stecke and Kim Extension of Hwang’s Model aims to

a. Maximizes the number of machines in a process plan

b. Minimizes the number of machines in a process plan
c. Select early the part types with the largest number of required tools
d. Select early the part types with the lowest number of required tools

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: The objective function of Stecke and Kim Extension of Hwang’s Model aims
to select early the part types with the largest number of required tools. Refer to lecture material
and text books for details of Hwang’s model and its Stecke and Kim extension model.

______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 3:

In which tool allocation policy for each planning period, a new set of tools is mounted on the
tool magazine to process the parts in that planning period?

a. Bulk exchange policy

b. Tool resident policy
c. Tool migration policy
d. Tool sharing policy

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In bulk exchange policy, for each planning period, a new set of tools is
mounted on the tool magazine to process the parts in that planning period. Refer to lecture
material and text books for details of different types of tool allocation policies.
___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

In tool migration policy

a. Tools are replaced once the parts are processed to make room for tools for
processing other parts
b. Tools are resident on machines based on tool clustering
c. Tools are fixed for the entire planning horizon
d. Tools are resident on machines based on product mix

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In ‘tool migration’ policy, the tools are replaced once the parts are processed to
make room for tools for processing other parts.

___________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 5:

Which aspect of a part governs the type of fixture suitable for the part type?

a. Size of the part

b. Part geometry
c. Batch size
d. Number of tools required

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: The geometry of parts mainly governs the type of fixture suitable for the part
types.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

While measuring performance, ‘mean flow time’ of parts represents

a. Average lateness of all late jobs
b. Percentage time a part spends in the system
c. Average time a part spends in the system
d. Average time a pert spend per machine

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Mean flow time of parts represents the average time a part spends in the
system.
______________________________________________________________________________
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Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 7:

An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is most efficient when the movement is in a

a. Helical Path
b. Parabolic Path
c. Circular Path
d. Straight Path

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is most efficient when the movement
is on a straight path or a straight line.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

Which type of part-type selection rule is based on assigning higher priority to the part types
requiring the largest number of tools for processing?

a. LNT Heuristic
b. SNT Heuristic
c. EDD rule
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: LNT heuristic is based on assigning higher priority to the part types requiring
the largest number of tools for processing.

_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 9:

Name the type of layout as shown in the diagram below.

a. Double row machine layout

b. Circular machine layout
c. Cluster machine layout
d. Loop machine layout

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: The diagram is of circular machine layout. Refer to the text for details.

______________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘The operational problems in FMS concern detailed decision making on a long-term planning
horizon. ’- the statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: The statement is false. The operational problems in FMS concern detailed
decision making on a short-term planning horizon.
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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______________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 10
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

Robotics is an integral part of

a. Fixed automation
b. Group technology
c. Automated discrete-parts manufacturing systems
d. Cellular manufacturing system

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Robotics is an integral part of automated discrete-parts manufacturing

systems, such as flexible manufacturing systems or FMS.
___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

Which type(s) of robot(s) does/do NOT have feedback loops from the driven components back to
the driver?

a. Hydraulically driven robots

b. Stepper motor-driven robots
c. Servo motor-driven robots
d. Both a and b

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Electrically driven robots can be classified into two broad categories: stepper
motor-driven and direct current (DC) servo motor-driven. Out of these two categories, only
servo-driven robots invariably have feedback loops from the driven components back to the
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driver. A hydraulically driven robot also does not have any feedback loop. Refer to lecture
material and text books for details.
_________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 3:

Tactile sensors are being developed to provide

a. Accurate data on the position of parts that are in contact

b. Proximity Information
c. Velocity information
d. Position of joints

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: Tactile sensors are being developed to provide more accurate data on the
position of parts that are in contact than is provided by vision.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

What type of drive source is generally used for large industrial robots?

a. Electric drive
b. Hydraulic drive
c. Pneumatic drive
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Hydraulic drive system provides high speed and strength. That is why
hydraulic systems are adopted for large industrial robots.

______________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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QUESTION 5:

Robot’s ability to position its end-effector at a point that have previously been taught to the robot
is known as

a. Accuracy
b. Repeatability
c. Spatial Resolution
d. Stability

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Repeatability refers to the robot’s ability to position its end-effector at a point
that have previously been taught to the robot.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

What is/are the variation(s) of a ‘revolute’ joint?

a. Rotational joint
b. Twisting joint
c. Revolving joint
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d
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Detailed Solution: Revolute joints permit only angular motion between links. Their variations
may include Rotational joint (R), Twisting joint (T), and Revolving joint (V).
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 7:

Configuration of a ‘Gantry’ robot is similar to

a. Polar configuration
b. Cartesian configuration
c. Cylindrical configuration
d. Jointed-arm configuration

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Configuration of Gantry robot is similar to Cartesian configuration. The

structure of a gantry robot resembles a gantry-type crane. Gantry robots are Cartesian robots that
are mounted on a gantry structure and operate from the top to perform the specified task.
_____________________________________________________________________________
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

QUESTION 8:

The following type of joint is an example of a

a. Linear joint
b. Rotational joint
c. Twisting joint
d. Revolving joint
Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The above robotic joint is a ‘linear’ type.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 9:

The following robotic configuration is an example of a

a. LLRobot
b. RRR robot
c. TRL Robot
d. LRL robot

Correct Answer: c
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Detailed Solution: The above robotic configuration is of TRL type.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘A good robot is one that is fast enough, but at the same time has good stability.’- the statement
is
a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

_____________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 11
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

The task of process planning is to

a. Determine raw materials

b. Alter design of the work piece
c. Remove manual tasks
d. Translate design data to work instructions

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The task of process planning is to translate design data to work instructions
to produce a part or a product.

__________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

Which machining condition(s) can be controlled to reduce cost and to increase production rate?

a. Feed
b. Depth of cut
c. Cutting speed
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Having specified the work-piece material, machine tools, and cutting tool,
the question is what can be controlled to reduce cost and to increase production rate. The
controllable variables are cutting speed (v), feed (f), and depth of cut (d). Jointly, v, f, and d are
referred to as machining conditions. There are a number of models for determining the optimal
machining conditions.

____________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 3:

Jigs are designed for

a. Accurate positioning of tools

b. Accurate alignment of parts and tools
c. Holding the work-piece securely
d. Specific shapes and dimensions of parts

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: Jigs are designed to have various reference surfaces and points for accurate
alignment of parts and tools.

______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

CAPP refers to
a. Computer Aided Process Planning
b. Computer Aided Process Programming
c. Computer Aided Planning Programming
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: CAPP refers to Computer Aided Process Planning.

___________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 5:

In which approach, a process plan for a new part is created by recalling, identifying, and retrieving
an existing plan for a similar part and making necessary modifications for the new part?

a. Variant CAPP
b. Generative CAPP
c. Knowledge-based Process Planning
d. Both a and b

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In the variant process planning approach, a process plan for a new part is
created by recalling, identifying, and retrieving an existing plan for a similar part and making
necessary modifications or editing of its process plan for the new part.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

Which system is used in CAPP to process the design information?

a. Feed-back system
b. Feed-forward system
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: To translate the design requirements into manufacturing process details, a
feed-forward system is needed in which design information is processed by the process planning
system to generate manufacturing process details.
____________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 7:

Which of the following is a disadvantage of variant CAPP?

a. Efficient processing
b. Standardized procedures
c. Shorter development times
d. The quality of the final process plan generated depends on the knowledge and experience
of the process planners

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: The quality of the final process plan generated depends to a large extent on
the knowledge and experience of the process planners. This dependence on the process planners
is one of the major shortcomings of the variant-type process planning approach. Refer to the
lecture material and the text books for details.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

Which system uses computers at higher level strategies?

a. Variant CAPP
b. Generative CAPP
c. Retrieval CAPP
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: In the generative approach, process plans are generated by means of decision
logic, formulas, technology algorithms, and geometry-based data to perform uniquely the many
processing decisions for converting a part from raw material to a finished state. Generative
CAPP uses computers at higher level strategies. Refer to the lecture materials and the text books
for details.
____________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 9:

Which system uses computers to simulate the decision process of a human expert?

a. Knowledge-based Process Planning

b. Retrieval CAPP
c. Variant CAPP
d. Generative CAPP

Correct Answer: d
Detailed Solution: In a knowledge-based process planning system, a computer is used to
simulate the decision process of a human expert. Refer to the lecture materials and the text books
for details.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘Manufacturing knowledge is the backbone of process planning.’- the statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

_____________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******
 NPTEL Online Certification Courses
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Automation in Production Systems and Management

Assignment- Week 12
TYPE OF QUESTION: MCQ/MSQ
Number of questions: 10 Total mark: 10 X 2 = 20
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 1:

‘Decision tables’ provide a convenient way to document manufacturing knowledge. The

element(s) of a decision table is/are

a. Rules
b. Actions
c. Conditions
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Decision tables provide a convenient way to document manufacturing

knowledge and requirements for a given part or component.. The three elements of a decision
table are: conditions, actions, and rules.

___________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2:

How many different approaches are there for process planning?

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: There are essentially three possible different approaches to process planning:
manual, computer-assisted variant-type, and computer-assisted generative type. Refer to the
lecture material and the text books for details.
___________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 3:

In a generative process planning, backwards planning starts with

a. The raw material

b. The finished product
c. The filling process
d. The un-machined work piece

Correct Answer: b

Detailed Solution: In a generative process planning, backwards planning starts with the finished
product, and filling in to the shape of the un-machined work piece.
______________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 4:

A retrieval CAPP system is based on the principle/s of

a. Group Technology
b. Parts classification
c. Coding
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: A retrieval CAPP system, also called a variant CAPP system, is based on the
principles of group technology (GT), and parts classification and coding.

___________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 5:

The required input(s) of process planning is/are

a. Geometric features
b. Dimensions and tolerances
c. Materials and finishes
d. All of the above

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Process planning is the task of transforming part design specifications from a
detailed engineering drawing to a collection of operating instructions for part manufacture.
Required inputs to the planning scheme include geometric features, dimensional sizes,
tolerances, and materials and finishes.

_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 6:

What is ‘forward planning’ in generative process planning?

a. Starting with the finished product, and filling in to the shape of the un-machined
workpiece
b. Modifying the machining sequence until it obtains the features required by the
finished product
c. Modifying the workpiece until it obtains the features required by the finished product
d. Starting with a particular machine sequence, and modifying it to the shape of the un-
machined workpiece

Correct Answer: c

Detailed Solution: Generative process planning techniques can be further divided as those that
use forward planning, and those that use backward planning. Forward planning involves
modifying the workpiece until it obtains the features required by the finished product.

______________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 7:

In peak demand periods, the company may be forced to meet the demand by

a. Purchasing a portion of the required production from outside suppliers

b. Redesigning the product
c. Redesigning the process
d. Expanding the capacity

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: In peak demand periods, a company may be forced to augment its own plant
capacity by purchasing a portion of the required production from outside suppliers.

____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 8:

Operations that require some minimal secondary processing are called

a. Property enhancing operations

b. Finishing operations
c. Net shape process
d. Near net shape process

Correct Answer: d

Detailed Solution: Operations requiring some minimal secondary processing, usually

machining, are referred to as ‘near net shape’ processes. Please refer to the text books in this
context for details.

____________________________________________________________________________
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QUESTION 9:

Which of these factors does NOT affect ‘make or buy’ decision?

a. Comparison of costs
b. Tool life of the required tools
c. In-house availability of the product
d. Reliability of supplier

Correct Answer: b
Detailed Solution: ‘Tool life’ of the required tools does not affect the ‘make or buy’ decision for
a product or a component or a part.
_____________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 10:

‘Autonomation’ refers to machines and processes designed to prevent errors or defects.’ - the
statement is

a. True
b. False

Correct Answer: a

Detailed Solution: The statement is true.

____________________________________________________________________________

*******END*******