Scribd
Upload
15 views4 pages

Cam2 Converted

The document compares mechanization and automation, highlighting that mechanization replaces human physical labor with machines, while automation replaces human thinking with computers. It outlines the objectives of automation, which include increasing productivity and improving product quality, and categorizes automation into fixed, programmable, and flexible types, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The document emphasizes the economic justification for each type based on production rates and product variety.

Uploaded by

INDIA TECH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views4 pages

Cam2 Converted

The document compares mechanization and automation, highlighting that mechanization replaces human physical labor with machines, while automation replaces human thinking with computers. It outlines the objectives of automation, which include increasing productivity and improving product quality, and categorizes automation into fixed, programmable, and flexible types, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The document emphasizes the economic justification for each type based on production rates and product variety.

Uploaded by

INDIA TECH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Automation:

Mechanization Vs Automation

Mechanization

(i.) Mechanization saves the use of human muscles


(ii.) Mechanization displaces physical labour
(iii.) Mechanization is the replacement of human power by machine power
(iv.) Mechanization often replace craft work and create jobs for unskilled labour
(v.) Mechanization moves slowly and job displacement is short time
(vi.) Mechanization is occurred during the industrial revolution

Automation:

(i.) Automation saves the human judgment


(ii.) Automation displaces mental labour
(iii.) Automation is the replacement of human thinking with computer and machines
(iv.) Automation tends to create jobs for skilled workers as expense of unskilled and semi-
skilled
(v.) It also create long terms jobs displacement

Objective of Automation:

The main objective of Automation Control System used in the industry is:

1. To increase productivity
2. To improve quality of the product
3. To Control production cost

Type of Automation: Automated manufacturing systems can be classified into three basic types

(1) Fixed automation,


(2) Programmable automation,
(3) Flexible automation.
Fixed automation: Fixed automation is a system in which the sequence of processing (or
assembly) operations is fixed by the equipment configuration. Each of the operations in the
sequence is usually simple plain linear or rotational motion or an uncomplicated combination of
the two. It is associated with high production rate and it is relatively difficult to change in the
product design. This is called the hard automation. Fixed automation sense only when product
designs are stable and product life cycles are long.
Advantage:
(i.) Maximum efficiency
(ii.) Low unit cost
(iii.) Automated material handling
(iv.) Fast and efficient movement of parts.
Disadvantage:

(i.) Large initial investment cost


(ii.) Inflexible in product variety

The economic justification for fixed automation is found in products that are produced in very
large quantities and at high production rates. The high initial cost of the equipment can be spread
over a very large number of units, thus making the unit cost attractive compared with alternative
methods of production. Examples of fixed automation include machining transfer lines and
automated assembly machines.

Programmable Automation: In programmable automation, the production equipment is


designed according to specific class of product change and process or assembly operation. The
operation sequence is controlled by a program, which is a set of instructions coded so that they
can be read and interpreted by the system. New programs can be prepared and entered into the
equipment to produce new products.
Example: CNC lathe that produces a specific product in a certain product class according to the
input program.
Note: Programmable automated production systems are used in low- and medium-volume
production. The parts or products are typically made in batches. To produce each new batch of a
different product, the system must be reprogrammed with the set of machine instructions that
correspond to the new product. The physical setup of the machine must also be changed: Tools
must be loaded, fixtures must be attached to the machine table, and the required machine settings
must be entered. This changeover procedure takes time. Consequently, the typical cycle for a
given product includes a period during which the setup and reprogramming takes place, followed
by a period in which the batch is produced. Examples of programmable automation include
numerically controlled (NC) machine tools, industrial robots, and programmable logic controller.
Advantage:
(i.) Flexibility to deal with variation and changes the product
(ii.) Low unit cost for large batch
(iii.) Most suitable for batch production
Disadvantage:

(i.) New product requires long set up time


(ii.) High unit cost relative to fixed automation.

Flexible automation: Flexible automation is an extension of programmable automation. A


flexible automated system is capable of producing a variety of parts (or products) with virtually
no time lost for changeovers from one part style to the next. There is no lost production time
while reprogramming the system and altering the physical setup (tooling, fixtures, machine
settings). Consequently, the system can produce various combinations and schedules of parts or
products instead of requiring that they be made in batches.
Advantage:
(i) Continuous production of variable mixtures of products
(ii) Medium production rates
(iii) Flexibility to deal with product design variations
Disadvantage:

(i.) Large initial investment


(ii.) High unit cost relative to fixed or programmable automation.

Three types of automation relative to production quantity and product variety.


❖ Comparison between Fixed and Flexible Automation System

You might also like