Monica Reading Response 002: Manufacturing Systems and Strategies

Chapter 17 of Digital Design and Manufacturing delves into the different fabrication methods used in the production of goods, and the way that these methods differ depending on the work flow or business model.

                One important distinction to make in the fabrication process is the scale of production to be created. For very large scale production (50,000 to 100,000 units), machines are often very specialized and every part of the process is automated. In smaller scales of production, prototype shops or job shops are used. These shops have general purpose machines that must be programmed by highly skilled workers. They are more expensive per unit, but each unit can be more specialized and individual. The job shop process is much more similar to the process that we follow with Titey and Mitey; thousands of different tasks could potentially be accomplished by the robots, but each task requires thought and preparation.

                The article also delves into different types of industrial robots. The type of joint and arm movement (e.g. Cartesian, cylindrical, polar) creates robots that are more suited to different tasks. For example, articulated joints are slow but allow for a wider range of motion and precision than other configurations.

                The tools themselves are important parts of fabrication processes, but the workflow and production process itself is just as important. There are many different manufacturing strategies, aimed toward waste reduction, speed, efficiency, and integration of computers with machines. These manufacturing models require different types of machines and different assembly line setups.

                Throughout this chapter, there is an emphasis on the information systems associated with manufacturing, in addition to the machines themselves. In order to achieve efficient processes and quality products, it is important to consider factors such as the type of machine, the order that the process is completed in, and the interaction of workers, designers, programmers, and engineers. Although we are not working with any large scale production in our class, these lessons can be used as we begin to develop our design concepts. We should not only think of the end product, but also of the order in which each part will be completed, and which tasks should or should not be done with the robots.