13 Automated Production Lines 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 Unit Introduction Unit Learning Objectives Fundamentals of Automated Production Lines Applications of Automated Production Lines Analysis of Transfer Lines Unit Review Self Assessment Questions Self Assessment Answers 13.1 Introduction Automated production lines are typically used for high production of parts that require multiple processing operations. The production line itself consists of geographically dispersed workstations within the plant, which are connected by a mechanized work transport system that ferries parts from one workstation to another in a pre-defined production sequence. In cases where machining operations, such as drilling, milling, and similar rotating cutter processes, are performed at particular workstations, the more accurate term to use is transfer line, or transfer machine. Other potential automated production line applications include: robotic spot-welding, sheet-metal press-working, and electroplating of metals. KEYPOINT Automated production lines consist of distributed workstations connected by a mechanized work transport system that moves the parts from one workstation to another as they enter the system. END KEYPOINT Automated production lines are usually expensive to implement, and—as examples of fixed automation—their layout is relatively hard to change once built into the production plant’s infrastructure. The following are the conditions that normally suit the used of automated production lines: BULLETLIST High product demand, requiring high production quantities Stable product design, as automated production lines cannot accommodate frequent design changes Long product life—typically several years Multiple operations, involving the use of a number of workstations ENDLIST KEYPOINT The conditions that determine the use of automated production lines include: high product demand; stable product design; long product life; and multiple operations. END KEYPOINT Onc