LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Assembly Line: Assembly Line Methods
built 640 days ago
The assembly line concept was not "invented" at one time by one person, and no one person is the "father" of it. It has been independently redeveloped throughout history based on logic. Its exponentially larger development at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th occurred among various people over decades, as other aspects of technology allowed. The development of toolpath control via jigs, fixtures, and machine tools (such as the screw-cutting lathe and milling machine) during the 19th century provided the prerequisites by making interchangeable parts a practical reality. Before the 20th century, the way that most manufactured products were made was that a single craftsman or team of craftsmen would create each part of a product individually by hand, using their skills and such tools as files and knives, and assemble them together into an assembly, making cut-and-try changes in the parts so that they would fit and work together (the so-called English System). The transition to other methods began as creativity and logic took advantage of the opportunities that the aforementioned machining developments presented. Thus, before the modern assembly line took shape, there were prototypical forms in various industries, as outlined below.
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As new assembly line methods are introduced into manufacturing processes, business managers look at the techniques for possible application to other areas of business. New methods all share the common goal of improving throughput by reducing the amount of time individual workers and their machines spend on specific tasks. By reducing the amount of time required to produce an item, be it an automobile, a new product, or a report, assembly line methods have made it possible to produce more with less.
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Closure: Discuss with students the benefits of using the assembly-line method. They should recognize the difference in production volume between the two methods. Have them talk about which method they prefer and what they noticed about the quality of the products coming from both of the production lines. Where in real life is the production line used? Why is it necessary in this technological age?
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New methods of material handling are being implemented to manage the complexity of three models being built on one assembly line. The inbound parts sequencing center manages more than 1,800 different parts that are used in the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber build process. In addition to sequencing, this center provides parts metering, kitting and container management to the Belvidere Assembly Plant and delivers complete subassemblies just-in-time to the manufacturing floor.
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Using modern assembly line methods, manufacturing has become a highly refined process in which value is added to parts along the line. Assembly line manufacturing is characterized by concurrent processes, or multiple parallel activities that feed into a final assembly stage. These processes require a well-planned flow of materials and the development of an advanced materials and supply infrastructure.
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Tell students that they are going to be doing the same activity, but by working together using the assembly line method. This means that they will each have a particular job in the line to make the finished product.
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Assembly Line Methods