When selecting materials, it is important to consider:

• Material properties

• Manufacturing processes

• Form and standard sizes

• Cost

• Availability

• Sustainability

Some raw materials may fluctuate in price according to worldwide demand.

Finite element analysis: creating a product on software to reduce the wastage of prototypes.

The use of Computer Systems:

Computer Systems for Planning & Control:

• Uses mathematical calculations to plan and organise complex processes such as a car plant

• Overviews can be given at any time via spreadsheets, charts and graphs

• Barcodes and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags facilitate the transfer of information (e.g. component types and stock)

• Text (1 direction) < Barcodes (2 directions) < RFID (all directions)

Modular / Cell Production:

• CNC machines are used in a group

• Used on lathes, milling machines, drills and grinders

• Robotic arms - used for assembly and transportation, can have up to 6 axis of movement

• Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV’s) used for larger movement

JIT Manufacturing:

• Products are made to order

• Helped Toyota in the 70’s

• Lean production - reducing waste and maintaining stock levels as low as possible

• Good for products with configurations (e.g. cars, devices)