NOTES

• Automation:

  • Automatic control is often used in production lines, communications networks and guidance systems
• Benefits of automation:

  • Robots and automated systems often replace manual jobs, and can therefore save labour costs
• Automated guidance systems:

  • Some companies including Google are developing autonomous self-driving vehicles
• Computer Aided Design (CAD):

  • CAD software is used to create precision 2D or 3D drawings, models or technical illustrations
  • It is commonly used by designers, architects, engineers and artists
• Computer Aided Manufacture:

  • Automated machinery is controlled by software to manufacture physical parts
  • CAM uses Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and CAD files to generate 3D tool paths for the machinery to follow
  • CAM machinery includes laser cutters, embroidery machines, CNC milling machines, routers and lathes
• CNC milling:

  • CNC milling machines work in three dimensions to produce intricately and accurately machined objects such as this jet engine turbine wheel
  • Digital designs are converted into a series of x, y, z coordinates for the machine to follow
• CNC laser cutting:

  • By cutting at different speed rates, laser cutters can burn through or etch the surface of a material
  • They can cut complex shapes in a wide range of materials including:
  • Paper, Polymers, Timber, Metals and Textile based materials
• Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS):

  • FMS involve an assembly of automated machines commonly used on short-run batch production lines where the products frequently change
  • They can be easily recalibrated, reprogrammed, retooled
• Lean Manufacturing:

  • ‘Lean’ is a Japanese philosophy created by Toyota
  • It aims to manufacture products just before they are required to eliminate areas of waste including: Overproduction, Waiting, Transportation, Inappropriate processing, Excessive inventory Unnecessary motion, Defects
• Just In Time (JIT) production:

  • Items are created as they are demanded
  • No surplus stock of raw material, component or finished parts are kept