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🏭intro to industrial engineering review

key term - Fixed automation

Citation:

Definition

Fixed automation refers to a type of automation where equipment is specifically designed for a particular set of tasks and is not easily reconfigurable. This approach is often used in high-volume production processes, allowing for consistent and efficient manufacturing with minimal human intervention. It typically involves the use of specialized machinery and tooling that remain in place for extended periods to produce identical products, enhancing productivity and reducing per-unit costs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Fixed automation is most effective in environments where large quantities of the same product are produced, such as automotive assembly lines.
  2. The initial investment for fixed automation can be high due to the custom design of machinery, but it leads to significant cost savings in large-scale production over time.
  3. One major drawback of fixed automation is its inflexibility; once a machine is set up for a specific task, changing it to produce different products can be time-consuming and costly.
  4. Fixed automation often results in faster production speeds compared to manual operations due to its ability to run continuously without fatigue.
  5. This type of automation can improve product quality by minimizing human error during repetitive manufacturing processes.

Review Questions

  • How does fixed automation differ from programmable automation in terms of flexibility and application?
    • Fixed automation is designed for specific tasks and lacks flexibility, making it ideal for high-volume production of identical products. In contrast, programmable automation allows machines to be reprogrammed for different tasks or product variations, providing greater adaptability in manufacturing. While fixed automation excels in efficiency for mass production, programmable automation is better suited for environments where product demand fluctuates or where customization is needed.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of implementing fixed automation in a manufacturing process.
    • The main advantages of fixed automation include increased production speed, consistent quality, and reduced labor costs due to minimal human intervention. However, its disadvantages include high initial setup costs and inflexibility in adapting to product changes. Once machinery is configured for a specific task, making adjustments can be time-consuming and expensive, potentially hindering responsiveness to market demands.
  • Evaluate how fixed automation impacts production efficiency and quality control in manufacturing industries.
    • Fixed automation significantly enhances production efficiency by enabling continuous operation at high speeds with minimal downtime, which is essential for industries like automotive manufacturing. The consistent nature of fixed automation also improves quality control by reducing variability associated with human operators. However, companies must weigh these benefits against the challenges of limited flexibility and potential high costs associated with changing production lines when market needs shift.