Production techniques and systems

• faster, fewer mistakes, more efficient
• production lines flow more easily
• manual labour - bespoke, low volume, high cost items
• PDM (Product Data Management) - complex software systems that have an overview of many aspects of production
• PDM reduces mistakes, everyone working together, accurate costing and forecasting of production progress

• software used to create precision 2D or 3D drawings, models and technical drawings
• post processing - software in CAM machines which allows you to convert the CAD file into the language that the machine understands

Advantages of CAD

• designs altered easily
• saves money and time
• designs easily saved, kept and archived
• designs can be sent by email
• designs can be worked on by teams simultaneously

Disadvantages of CAD

• software complex to learn
• software can be expensive
• compatibility issues with software
• security issues
• software needs regular updates

• automated machinery controlled by software to manufacture physical parts
• CNC (computer numerical control) machines - laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC router, vinyl cutter

Advantages of CAM

• faster than traditional machines and tools
• more accurate that rtraditional methods
• high repetitve accuracy
• machines run 24/7
• can produce work directly from CAD files

Disadvantages of CAM

• expensive set up costs
• training costs and time
• CAM machines need specialist engineers when they need maintaining or repairing
• CAM machines can do work that is traditionally done by skilled workers and has led to unemployment

CNC miling

• work in 3D to produce intricate and accurate objects
• cuts metals

CNC laser cutting

• burn through to etch surface of material
• paper, polymers, timber metals, textile materials

• involve an assembly of automated machines commonly used on short-run batch production lines where products frequently change
• easily recalibrated, reprogrammed and retooled
• CNC machines frequently used in FMS
• easily reprogrammable, make changes quickly, simple and cost effective
• allows manufacturers to respond quickly to fluctuations in the market and consumer demands
• robot arms are used becasue they can be reprogrammed to perform many tasks

• based on an ethos of eliminating wate in manufacture and overburden
• many responsible manufacturers adopt this principle to save money and resources
• grown popular as manufacturers across the world are cutting down on the waste they produce
• to do this they have to change the way they operate

• items are created as they are demanded
• no surplus stock of raw materials, component or finished parts are kept
• someone needs to regulate it - may be a large order
• arrives as you need it, leaves as you finish it
• ensures that customers get the right product at the right time at the right price
• many companies seek to make constant improvements to their systems 
• they reward employees if they find ways to cut waste even further

Advantages

• products are made to order so no products need storing whilst waiting to be sold
• money not tied up in unsold stock
• orders often secured on a deposit or full payment, so money is in the bank before material and production costs
• stock does not become old or out of date
• almost all waste is reused or recycled, meaning there is little or no landfill waste produced

Disadvantages

• relies on high quality, fast and reliable supply chain for raw materials and components
• all production could stop if supply chain breaks down
• some stock is not ready to be purchased off the shelf: some consumers prefer not to wait at all and sales could be lost
• usually a deposit or the whole cost of the product needs to be paid upfront - could be offputting for some consumers
• discounts from suppliers for bulk purchasing of materials may not be available