Methods of work part transport, factors effecting || Automation in manufacturing

         Work Part Transportation Methods

                              The transfer mechanism of the automated flow line must not only move the partially completed work parts  (or) assemblies between adjacent stations it must also orient and locate the parts in the correct position for processing at each station.

1. Continuous Transfer
2. Intermittent Transfer (or) Synchronous Transfer
3. Asynchronous (or) Power-and-Free Transfer

1. Continuous Transfer : 

                          In this method of transfer, The work parts are moved continuously at constant speed. This requires the work heads to move during processing in order to maintain continuous registration of work parts. In other cases , This method would be practical.

Ex : 

• Beverage Bottling Operations
• Packaging
• Manual assembly Operations

                  where human operator can move with flow line and relatively simple automatic assembly task. This method is relatively easy to design and fabricate and can achieve a high rate of production.

2. Intermittent Transfer : 

                         In this method the work pieces are transported with an intermittent or discontinuous motion and all work parts are transported at the same time for this reason the term Synchronous transfer system is also used to describe this method of work part  transfer.

3. Asynchronous Transfer : 

                         It is also known as Power-and-free system . In this method it allows each work part to move to the next station when processing at the current station has been completed. Each pert moves independently of other parts hence some parts are being processed on the line at the same time that others are being transported between stations.

 Advantages : 

1. Greater Flexibility.
2. In process, Storage of work parts can be incorporated.
3. It can compensate for line balancing problems.
4. It is often used where there are one (or) more manually operated stations and cycle-time variations would be a problem.
5. Larger work parts can be handled.

Disadvantages : 

1. The cycle rates are generally slower than other types.

Factors Affecting : 

                     Factors depends on selecting appropriate type of transfer system.

1. Types of operation to be performed.
2. The number of stations on the line.
3. The weight and size of the workstations.
4. Weather manual stations are included in the line.
5. Production rate requirements.
6. Balancing the various process times on the line.