Automated Flow lines, it's objectives, configurations || Automation in manufacturing

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                     Automated Flow lines 

  • Automated Flow lines consists of several machines (or) workstations which are linked together by work handling devices to transfer parts between the stations. 
  • Work handling devices like 





Table : tap me

  • The flow line can be symbolized using the symbols presented in above figure as following
                                           The raw work part enters the one end of the line and the processing steps are processed sequentially as the part moves from one station to next. It is possible to include or incorporate buffer storage zones and inspection stations in the flow line either in a single or between every workstation.

  • Inspection station for perform intermediate checks on the quality of work pieces.
  • Manual stations may also be located along the flow line to perform certain operations which are difficult (or) uneconomical to automate.
Objectives :The objectives of the automated flow line is as follows
  1. To reduce Labour cost.
  2. To increase production rates.
  3. To reduce work-in-progress ( Partially finished goods ).
  4. To minimize distances moved between operations.
  5. To achieve specialization of operations.
  6. To achieve integration of operations.

Configurations ( Types ) of Automated flow line : 

  1. In-Line type automated flow line
  2. Segmented type automated flow line
  3. Rotary type automated flow line

1. In-Line type automated flow line : 

It is the configuration consists of a sequence of workstations in a more or less straight line as follows..


   In this configuration the raw work part enters one end of the line and the processing steps are performed sequentially as the part moves from one station to next and exits from other end as shown in figure.

2. Segmented In-Line type Automated Flowline : 

                              This configuration consists of two (or) more straight line arrangements which are perpendicular to each other with L-shaped, U-shaped, and rectangular shape. Working is same as in-line type.





3. Rotary type Automated Flowline : 

                             In this type the work parts are indexed around a circular table (or) dial. The workstations are stationary and usually located around the outside periphery of the dial. this type often referred to as an indexing machine. The working is same as in-line type but motion is rotary.








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