Manufacturing capabilities can be represented by a continuum that is made of four characteristics, flexibility, production rates, production volumes, and changeover time. By looking at the various mixtures of these characteristics it is easy to see what types of manufacturing occupy the different sections in the continuum. At one end of the spectrum is the production line that has multiple work cells that are coordinated to work quite well together. This line produces a high volume of finished products and runs at a high production rate. The line also has drawback of being longer to re-configure to make a production run of products that are totally dissimilar to the products that are in a prior production run. This characteristic gives the production line very little flexibility in being able to move from one production job to the next.
On the other end of the continuum is production that is done by independent work cells. The changeover time between production jobs for these machines is fairly short, which gives them very good flexibility. However, since the devices are not linked together by automation the unit volume and the production rates for this equipment is very low. This production scenario is ideal for producing small batches of products that do not require high speed production to complete. It is easy to see how this scenario can effectively make products that are of the same family of parts because very little changeover is required between production jobs.
Flexible manufacturing automation is the center part of the continuum. It occupies this spot because of the need to draw the best parts from both of the ends of the spectrum to create a type of manufacturing that can perform at an optimum. Flexible manufacturing automation has medium performance in the areas that occupy both ends of the continuum, changeover time, unit volume, production rates, and flexibility. This type of manufacturing Performance Of Service Sector offers several excellent advantages to a company. Flexible manufacturing automation, because of its configuration, has the ability to produce similar products at the same time. As long as the products are of similar design and can utilize the same work cell operations in their creation, it is possible to have these products created at the same time. Imaginative programming of controllers allows this kind of task to be done.
That same programming will be able to make correct decisions about the disposition of dissimilar parts that are fed to the manufacturing operation in a random fashion. Parts that are designed as a widget A will be routed through the series of production centers that are particular to its requirements, while widget B will be sent through those work centers that are particular to it. Some of these work cells maybe the same and some of them may be different in completing each of these part types from the same part family. As indicated before, the controller must have each part be identified so that a decision by the program can be …
Tag: automation
Industrial Washing and Cleaning of Aircraft – Detergents, Brushes, and Automation
When it comes to industrial cleaning – efficiency is the key. It really doesn’t matter if you are washing and cleaning luxury yachts, executive jets, or blasting of railcars used for cleaning coal. How do I know this you ask? Well, for some 27-years I’d been in the business of cleaning locomotives, trucks, buses, aircraft, boats, and heavy machinery. I’d say there is probably noting our company hasn’t washed over the years besides maybe a UFO, but if you produce one, we’ll come out to wash it.
Now then, the other day, I was discussing all this with a fellow think tanker, Troy Laclaire, and his concept was to build a giant automated washing system, something similar to a giant truck or business washing system, but big enough to wash a large airliner too. Of course, first we had to get down to the details, and so he asks; “Are detergents ever used?”
Yes, and most people don’t know this but Southwest Airlines was painting their airplanes in Wichita Kansas with a special type of paint, which was very light weight, and this means the aircraft’s paint would be less weight, that means better performance, better fuel economy, and an increase in useful load, and safety factor.
Although, it really bothered me because I know that many aircraft washers are probably using chemicals and detergents to clean the paint, which could cause its deterioration, and therefore leave the aircraft unprotected for corrosion, which could eventually cause the very same problem which occurred on that Southwest jet. Thus, Southwest had to only contract with specific aircraft washing companies, using a specially spec’d soap, or do it themselves.
In other words one of the potential problems could have been the paint, and the combination of detergents used to clean the aircraft. It’s a really serious matter, and people don’t take it as seriously as it should, but that’s the fact. Resale Price Maintenance Airlines of course do, but you can see why anyone wishing to build an aircraft washing system of that type would definitely need to understand all the different types of detergents and paint, on each specific aircraft. See that point?
Next, Troy asks me another very important question, are there “Issues with brushes/other cleaning items touching the plane?”
Yes, indeed there definitely are. You see, there are different types of systems used to clean aircraft, some of them have brushes on them, and over time the bristles of these brushes get hard, and they cause minute scratches in the finish of the aircraft. It’s the same basic type of problem that you have with drive-through carwashes which puts swirls in the pain of your car, if they have grit, pebbles, or debris in them, which they will as they go over the surface of the aircraft, as they picked up some loose dirt and whip it around – it can cause a little bit of damage to the paint during each wash.
Now then, I doubt if very many …
Benefits of the Industrial Automation Process and Control System
When rugged data acquisition and monitoring is needed in a variety of industrial applications, automation can provide many benefits. The technology is especially helpful in marine and offshore applications, where feedback signals, logic and switching functions can all be automated.
Automation utilizes information technologies and control systems to improve dependability and productivity. Machine automation processes can help to increase efficiency and consistency beyond a level that is possible with human effort. Automation goes one level above mechanization. While this streamlined process offers human technicians equipment to physical support to their regular tasks, the automation process decreases the need for Genetic Industry human labor altogether. Depending on the industrial function, consistency and creation time can see a substantial increase. Optimizing drive systems to through robotic automation and control technologies can assist the manufacturing to be more efficiency and accurate.Today, energy efficiency in industrial processes is becoming more and more relevant. As energy costs continue to rise, automation can help work to decrease these costs.
Another benefit of automation includes an improvement in overall product quality. The use of automated systems also reduces the amount of time from beginning to end during the physical operations process. It provides benefits in instances where a high degree of accuracy and consistency are required. Automation can also replace the need for human workers in tasks where difficult physical labor is required. Robotic engineering can perform tasks that are simply beyond scope of human beings. Systems can be customized to ideal production without having to worry about human capital and the inherent limitations that go with it, such as physical endurance and mental concentration.
Most importantly, it can also replace the need for human workers in dangerous environments. This is especially beneficial in marine and offshore applications. Automated systems can withstand dangerous work environments and work around hazardous substances. By removing workers from these unsafe areas, and assigning them in more challenging operating and programming jobs, industrial automation improves quality of life and protects the company from costly insurance claims.
Robotic automation can also help to reduce costs. It not only can cut down on labor costs, but also can also reduce operation time and handling time significantly. It essentially allows workers to take on higher-level jobs in the Industrial Engineering Ppt automated processes. Fully integrated automation systems can provide piece of mind in knowing that not only is production efficient and reliable, but that tasks are being performed safely without putting employees at risk.…
Industrial Automation – Changing The World
Automation does not run on the will power alone but it is automated by good programming structure behind the work to be executed. It needs proper engineering to succeed. There are some people who still do not understand the value of the automation, as they do have some questions in their mind as they are still confused with the idea of industrial automation. There are many questions aroused in the mind of these people ask, what advantages do the automation bring? What is its purpose? Does it really work?
Industrial automation is worked out to bring the work time down and save the time by maximum, through which the cost is saved while production and with guaranteed quality. Now the question is aroused that how it is executed? It is very simple, the work does not depend on the human hands but a program is developed so that the work is totally dependent on the program for execution. The programs are structured for different specific operations, leaving no space for mistakes or miscalculations or misjudgment. All actions are executed to perfection for a certain goal, letting speed and efficiency claim the importance to gain quick time profit. This is what all the owners or say the investors of the business require at the end. Once the program are developed and executed do not required to be told again and again how to perform the work. They simply do the work repeatedly till they are stopped to do so, for which the program has been written.
By introducing this concept in your business you can save your profit which is attained in the business. There is no spending on wages on the skilled workers where automation can be implemented instead of them. Instead you can spend the Electrician School Michigan most on the skilled workers where the business requires them and where the automation cannot replace them through anyway. It gives your business the chances it needed to bring the best of all worlds into your company for success.
Industrial automation is defined as its easy process, affordable and of course it’s beneficial to the business. You don’t have to rely on the number of workers for everything. You can rely on some skilled workers to run the business. It is a rare certainty that allows you to delegate Types Of Manufacturing Process positions that require more speed, more skill and more practice for the programs to be apt to execute the work in a proper way, leaving other areas which are required to be completed by the skilled workers open for better paid and more appreciative and skilled employees.
It is easy to implement it in your business you just need to invest a little to turn the fortunes in your favor. If you want to compete with the world where both the man and machines are clubbed to extract good quality work you need to update your business with the facilities around and the quick changes happening around.…
How a ‘Virtual Plant’ Helps Streamline Industrial Automation With PLC’s
One of the most overlooked aspects of industrial automation is that of efficient data collection and management. Integrating the operations, engineering and maintenance functions of a factory will not only increase productivity but also help with decision making and create more accurate projections.
The key to unlocking the full performance potential of your manufacturing/processing operations lies in your ability to gain a real-time understanding of what is actually happening on your plant floor. You must then be able to share that information with other important decision makers and take action that improves both your production performance as well as your bottom line.
Creating the ‘Virtual Plant’ for better control
The addition of digital capability to analog devices means that industrial control software can be linked to instrumentation readings via small text files. Data acquisition Electrician Apprenticeship Program is also an essential way to gather unbiased information on production processes as each staff unit might have different perceptions (which may well each be valid).
Industrial Automation is as much about seeing an accurate big picture as it is about controlling processes. An industrial plant application then processes the collective information being generated throughout your production facilities into a “virtual plant” that can be accessed where, when and how you need it. This application (software) allows you to measure and monitor your performance across key criteria in real-time. These should include web-based reports, key performance indicators (KPIs) and notification services if you choose the right system
All of this can be facilitated by a ‘PLC’. A PLC or Programmable Logic Controller is automated computer interface used to control machinery and electromechanical processes. PLC’s range in simple applications such as a basic packaging plant all the way up to a complex high availability environment such as a an automotive paint shop. The types and costs of PLC’s vary but they all differ from normal computing systems in similar ways. PLC’s are designed with a higher immunity to electrical noise, better resistance to high temperatures and have multiple input and output points.
When sourcing a supplier be sure to ask for electrical drawings, full operator manuals and remote connection details. Some Industrial Automation specialists offer setup Industrial Engineering Trade Publications and training as part of their service. Having a good understanding of your factory automation system onsite can help reduce operations costs in the long run.…