4.5) scales of production (common specialist technical principles)

the four different scales of production

• One-off production​

• Batch production​

• Mass production​

• Continuous production

what is one-off production?

• A single product or unit is made​

• One-off production is suitable for prototypes and when a product ​is designed for a client with ​specific needs

what are prototypes?

Prototypes are classified as one-off ​products

what is 3D Printing used for?

3D printing is often used ​to manufacture prototypes ​

what is batch production?

• More than one unit is produced at a time in a set or batch e.g. confectionary, newspapers​ or furniture items​

• Patterns, templates or jigs are ​used to increase efficiency​

• Production lines are flexible ​and generally have shorter ​lead times​

What do jigs and patterns help with?

• Jigs and patterns can be made or ​bought in to expedite a certain process​

• They can help to perform repetitive ​or awkward tasks accurately

Where can jigs be used?

• Jigs can be used in one-off, and batch production ​

What does CNC stand for?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control

What are CNC machines?

• These are CAD/CAM machines like laser cutters and CNC routers ​

• These machines are often used in batch production because they are accurate and efficient but also flexible​

What is mass production?

• Mass produced products are made in large volumes, in factories with a high level of automation and very few, if any, processes completed by hand​

• High set-up costs and low unit costs ​characterize mass production

why are the set-up costs so high?

• The more automation in a ​production line, the higher ​the set-up costs will be​

• Products made using complex ​industrial machinery will be ​mass produced

What is continuous production?

• A continuous production line is run non-stop, ​24 hours a day, 7 days a week, manufacturing products to meet a constant demand​