Manufacturing processes and techniques - 3/3

What is injection moulding?

a manufacturing process that works by injecting molten materials (usually plastic) into a mould

What is casting?

pouring hot metal liquids into molds

What are the pros of automated systems?

consistent, efficient, easy to make modifications

What are the cons of automated systems?

expensive, could break, requires training

What are the 3 main product methods?

One-off (bespoke), Batch and Mass

What is one-off production?

A single unique product made by skilled workers, it is expensive, hand made and a form of rapid prototyping

What is batch production?

where a number of similar items are produced in a set or group, manufacturers organize a production system to suit their machinery

What is Mass production?

making large quantities of a product quickly and cheaply, used for specialist factories, very repeatable and consistent and can have a continuous flow of production

What is lean manufacturing?

a methodology that focuses on reducing waste while increasing productivity as much as possible

What is Just in time (JIT) manufacturing?

A highly efficient production method that ensure the materials ordered arrive before they are needed for batch manufacturing. The finished product is shipped after completion

What is fully automated manufacturing?

machines are used to perform all tasks in the manufacturing process

What are standardized components?

parts that are usually produced in high volumes to the same quality (bolts and screws)

What is quality control?

QC is used to check that items are to the quality of the requirements

What is quality assurance?

QA is used to check if the product meets the quality standards set

What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?

all members of an organization improving processes, products and services in which they work