production systems

• one off production

  • This method is used to produce single items to a customer’s specification, but at a high unit cost.
  • This is time consuming, very expensive and labour intensive.
  • However, it offers total flexibility and the opportunity to custom-make products.
  • Examples include boats, bridges, bespoke furniture and made to measure clothes.

  
• • mass production is where identical products are manufactured in large quantities.
  • Automated machinery and assembly lines are often used in the production of mass manufactured products.
  • Examples include cookers, washing machines, televisions, mobile phones and flat pack furniture.

  
• • standard components are individual parts or components made in very large quantities.
  • They are identical to one another and are readily available.
  • Examples include screws, nails, pins and bolts.

  
• • knock down fittings are commonly used to assemble flat pack furniture.
  • They are temporary joints which can be removed easily if needed but are often used to permanently join pieces together.
  • They can usually be assembled using simple tools such as a screwdriver and hammer.