FOUNDATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY

Lesson 4-1 Manufacturing Technology

PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES

Production activities either result in manufacturing or construction. Manufacturing: production activities that result in

products. Construction: Production activities that result in

structures.

MANUFACTURING CHANGES

Manufacturing processes have been changed by:

Improved tools and techniques brought about by thorough scientific understanding.

Increase in forces that can be applied and the temperatures that can be reached.

The availability of electronic controls that make operations occur more rapidly and consistently.

TWO TYPES OF GOODS

There are two types of goods that are made using manufacturing processes: Durable goods: are designed to operate for a

long period of time. Nondurable goods: are designed to operate for a

short period of time.

THREE BASIC TYPES OF PRODUCTION

There are three basic types of production: customized production, batch production, and continuous production.

CUSTOM MANUFACTURING

Involves producing limited quantities of a product that meet a customer’s exact specifications.

Generally, the product is produced only once. Uses highly skilled workers and a low

production rate. The overhead costs are distributed amongst

a small number of products, resulting in high production costs.

Examples include: tailor-made clothing, high-end furniture, and the space shuttle.

BATCH PRODUCTION

A group of products are manufactured to the customer’s specifications.

All parts are processed in a single batch. All parts are processed at each workstation

before it moves on to the next station. Cost is relatively low, however, there is

considerable set-up time in between batches of new products.

Examples include: cabinets and car body panels

CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION

A production line manufactures a product continuously.

The line is specifically designed to produce a specific item.

Production costs are low and output is high. Production lines are relatively inflexible and

can not easily be changed. Examples include: automobiles, breakfast

cereal, and any consumable product.

TWO TYPES OF MANUFACTURING

There are two broad types of manufacturing: Primary manufacturing and secondary manufacturing. Primary manufacturing involves the processing

of material resources into industrial materials. Secondary resources are changed in

manufacturing to produce products.

PRIMARY PROCESSING

Mechanical processing: processes that use mechanical forces to change the shape of a material. Ex: production of lumber and plywood.

Thermal processing: processes that use heat to melt and reform material. Ex: production of steel, glass, refining petroleum.

Chemical and Electrochemical processes: processes that break down or build up materials by changing their chemical compositions. Ex: production of aluminum.

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Molding and casting

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Forming

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Machining