VI. Speaking.

Discussion points:

1. Functions of factory automation.

2. Fixed and flexible automation.

3. Types of system integration.

4. Batch factory opposed to continuous process factory.

5. CAD/CAM systems.

6. CIM integration.

7. The most popular method of providing the control system with information.

8. The initial area of automation.

UNIT 5

WAYS TO INTEGRATE

I. Reading.

Ex.1. Read the text and translate it.

FLEXIBILITY EVERYWHERE

1. The search for flexibility applies to all manufacturing ope­rations within a plant, not just assembly. Expectations that a flexible facility can be built are fueled by impressive advan­ces in controls and computer systems superimposed upon a well-developed, broad base of individual automatic proces­sing and handling equipment. Terms like „computer integra­ted manufacturing”, „flexible manufacturing systems”, and „factory of the future” have come into use to identify this evolving concept of manufacturing. Most observers empha­size the differences between these concepts and „hard” and „fixed” automation.

2. Flexibility is a necessary production characteristic. One or more types of flexibility can be needed: flexibility in the quantity of parts processed, in the range of styles and colo­urs produced, in working with similar but not identical pro­ducts, in the sequencing of processing steps, or in the process employed.

Obviously, some types of flexibility are easier to obtain than others. Essentially, the need is met in assembly by tech­niques ranging from inherently flexible equipment to fle­xible routing of work… (A).

3. Conventional automatic assembly equipment built from standard and modular elements has always had some poten­tial for flexibility. Advances in control technology, like pro­grammable controllers, allow that potential to be more easily obtained. Studies of setup practices have shown that changeover can be improved by traditional industrial engi­neering analysis: key elements in obtaining improvements are a thorough preparation for a new setup and modifications to tooling and fixtures… (B).

4. Automatic flexible routing of work has benefited from techniques ranging, for example, from systems like automatic storage / retrieval and automatic guided vehicles to compo­nent advances in sensors, bar coding, and transponders… (C).

To improve the flow in assembly, excellence in performan­ce of machines stresses the use of things like in-process inst­ruments and trouble-indicating systems. Excellence in ma­nual assembly emphasized better communications like audio­visual assembly guides as well as easy-to-use gages and test equipment. Flow improvement is also sought by locating fab­rication equipment along assembly lines at the point compo­nents are needed; the technique often allows slower, less expensive equipment to be used in meeting assembly de­mands. In like fashion, performance testing equipment can be integrated with assembly… (D).

5. A key effect of combining processes into a single system is that one operator can attend to more activities. Not only is reporting simplified, but the resulting „cell” becomes a manageable stepping-stone to future use of higher-order compu­ter control… (E).

6. It is somewhat contradictory to focus on only one element- assembly— in the evolving integrated manufacturing envi­ronment. But the fact is that fast-paced changes in techno­logies offer an unprecedented number of ways to improve all manufacturing activities. Manufacturers face the practical problems allocating limited resources, establishing priori- ties, and making selections. In that world, an effective stra­tegy is to make assembly improvements the driving force in the crusade for change in a plant.