Manufacturing and Automation Key Terms

Flashcards covering key terms related to manufacturing processes, automation systems, and variable controls as found in student lecture notes.

AGV

Automated Guided Vehicle. A computer-controlled system that uses pallets and other interface equipment to transport work pieces to NC machine tools and other equipment in a flexible manufacturing system.

ASRS

Automated Storage/Retrieval System. A system that moves material either vertically or horizontally between a storage compartment and a transfer station or within a process.

CAD

Computer Aided Design. The use of computers in converting the initial idea for a product into a detailed engineering design.

CIM

Computer Integrated Manufacturing. A company-wide management philosophy for planning, integration, and implementation of automation.

FMS

Flexible Manufacturing System. A flexible group of CNC machine tools that are highly automated and integrated capable of producing a family of parts.

JIT

Just in Time. A system that eliminates work-in-process (WIP) inventory by scheduling arrival of parts and assemblies for an operation at the time they are needed and not before.

Kaizen

Continuous improvement that involves all participants.

Lean Manufacturing

The systematic elimination of waste.

Manufacturing

A series of interrelated activities and operations that involve product design and the planning, producing, materials control, quality assurance, management, and marketing of that product.

Mass Production

A manufacturing process that can include specialized and single-purpose machines to produce a great many identical parts.

Six Sigma

A highly structured methodology that incorporates techniques and tools for eliminating defects and variability from a process. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than $3.4$ defects per million opportunities.

Automation

The use of technology to ease human labor or extend the mental or physical capabilities of humans.

CAM

Computer Aided Manufacturing. The use of computers in converting engineering designs into finished products.

CNC

Computer Numerical Control. A numerical control method in which one computer is linked with one machine tool to perform NC functions.

Dependent Variable

A variable whose value depends on the value of another variable.

Independent Variable

The controlling factor between variables, on which the value of the other variable depends.

PLC

Programmable Logic Controller. A solid-state control system that has a user-programmable memory to store instructions.

Robotics

The science and technology of robots, their design, manufacture, and application.

WIP

Work-in-Process. Materials or parts that are actually being processed into final products.

Workcell

A manufacturing unit consisting of a group of work stations and their interconnecting materials-transport mechanisms.