In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Agile Manufacturing 2. Key Enablers of Agile Manufacturing 3. Production Planning and Control (PPC) 4. Product Design 5. Virtual Enterprise 6. Automation and Information Technology 7. Lean Production 8. Robust Manufacturing Company. Meaning of Agile Manufacturing: Agility refers to the capability to adapt. Agile manufacturing is adopted where a company [...]
Smart technology in machine tools will enable quality products through introduction of six sigma and zero defects technique. It requires lot of research in development of suitable sensors and appropriate software. Sensors are embedded in hard to reach places and provide real time information to enable control of speed, feed and depth for optimised conditions with a view of achiever [...]
The following points highlight the elements of a hydraulic system. The elements are: 1. Pumps 2. Hydraulic Valves 3. Hydraulic Circuits. Element # 1. Pumps: The pump develops the desired pressure. The pressure most commonly used in hydraulic machine tools varies from 5 to 80 kg/cm2. The pumps used may be: (i) Reciprocating pumps, (ii) Rotary pumps. In reciprocating pump [...]
The following points highlight the five main applications of lathe used in the industries. The applications are: 1. Forming 2. Contour Turning 3. Machining of Cams 4. Ultra Precision Machining 5. Hard Turning. Application # 1. Forming: Forming is the operation of producing profile on a lathe using a special form tool which bears the reverse of the required profile [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Inroduction to Special Purpose Machine Tools 2. Index Mechanisms of Special Purpose Machine Tools 3. Types 4. Parts Handling Equipment 5. Control. Inroduction to Special Purpose Machine Tools: Special purpose machine tools are designed and manufactured for specific jobs and as such never produced in bulk. Such machines are finding increasing use [...]
Two types of configurations of computer controlled machine tools are commonly found (i) where a dedicated small microcomputer is used for control of one machine tool (referred to as computer numerical control or (CNC), and (ii) where a large computer controls a number of separate NC machine tools, (referred to as direct numerical control or DNC). Type # 1. CNC [...]
Factors Governing the General Shape of a Turning Tool and the Contour of its Cutting Edge: The most important points in any turning tool are: (a) The cutting edge of the tool must have a certain shape or contour. Some turning tools have straight rounded corners as at (i) (ii) and (iii) of Fig. 12.100, whereas others have curved edges [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction to Transfer Lines 2. Objectives of Transfer Lines 3. Methods 4. Control 5. Performance. Introduction to Transfer Lines: The first step in factory automation was to automate the transportation of parts between various machines/ stations. An automated flow line or transfer line consists of several machines/work-stations linked by work handling devices [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Definition of Group Technology 2. Advantages of Group Technology 3. Disadvantages 4. Uses. Definition of Group Technology: Group technology is an approach to organising manufacture which can be applied in any industry (machining, welding, foundry, press work, forging, plastic moulding, etc.) where small-batch variety production is used. The basic approach enables all [...]
The power flows from the motor in the base to the cone-pulley by means of a belt. The belt can be adjusted to three or four positions to vary the spindle-speed. Fig. 12.15 gives the idea as to how the different spindle speeds can be obtained. Various spindle speeds can be obtained by shifting the belt on different steps of [...]