Contents
1.1 Introduction to Programmable Automation
1.2 The Manufacturing Process
1.3 Automation
1.4 Manufacturing PerformanceMeasures
1.5 Benefits of Automation
1.6 Automation Strategies
1.7 Summary
1.8 Key Words
1.9 Review Questions
1.10 Bibliography
1 Introduction to Programmable Automation
Programmable automation technology is a remarkably useful tool for manufacturing engineers/technologists who seek to improve manufacturing systems of their respective industries. It combines mechanical, electrical, and computer technologies that have been developed for very specific automation capabilities. The term “programmable automation technology” actually refers to three individually distinct technologies that have a common thread: programmability. These technologies are computer numerical control (CNC) technology, robotics technology, and programmable logic control (PLC). Each, in some form, either directly or indirectly, is used in almost all modern automation systems—one is unlikely to walk into a modern manufacturing facility without observing one of these technologies in action. This, however, has not always been the case.
Initial migration to programmable automation was gradual, hampered by the complexity, expense, and, in some cases, poor reliability of early systems. Additionally,utilization of the technology required that companies retain technical experts specifically devoted to the implementation, programming, and maintenance of the systems. However,over the last 25 years programmable automation technology has greatly matured: Modern systems are standardized, substantially less complicated and expensive, and extremely reliable. Whereas use of this technology was initially the domain of specialists—particularly engineers—now virtually every member of an engineering or maintenance staff is expected to use the technology at some level. In fact, it is now imperative that mechanical engineers and technologists—who used to avoid “electrical stuff”—have a solid foundation in it. Hence, the goal of this text: to instruct any member of an engineering team so he or she may comfortably delve into the automation arena.
Before we properly define “programmable automation” and develop a full description of its capabilities, we first must present an understandable picture of manufacturing in general. In the following section we explore manufacturing and define some of its key terms. Subsequent sections define automation in general and programmable automation in particular. The concept of productivity will be introduced,and the last few sections will address reasons for automation, corresponding benefits of it,and ways automation can be implemented.
