Assembly line

Assembly line is an industrial arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers for continuous flow of work pieces in mass-production operations.

An assembly line is designed by determining the sequences of operations for manufacture of each product component as well as the final product. Each movement of material is made as simple and short as possible with no cross flow. Work assignments, numbers of machines, and production rates are programmed so that all operations performed along the line are compatible.

An automotive assembly line starts with a bare chassis; components are attached as the growing assemblage moves along a conveyor. Parts are matched into subassemblies on feeder lines that intersect the main line to deliver body parts, engines, and other assemblies. As the units move past, each worker along the line performs a specific function. Each part and tool is delivered to its point of use in synchronization with the line.

A number of different assemblies are on the line simultaneously, but an intricate system of scheduling and control ensures that the appropriate body type and colour, trim, engine, and optional equipment arrive together to make the desired combinations.

Automated assembly lines consist entirely of machines run by machines. In such continuous-process industries as petroleum refining and chemical manufacture and in many modern automobile-engine plants, assembly lines are completely mechanized and consist almost entirely of automatic, self-regulating equipment.

Most products, however, are still assembled by hand because many component parts are not easily handled by a simple mechanism. The number of products automatically assembled is steadily increasing but at a low rate because a product must be designed for automatic assembly and must be accurately and consistently manufactured. Expensive automatic assembly machines are economical only if run at very high outputs. However, the development of versatile automatic machinery and industrial robots is increasing the flexibility of fully automated assembly operations.

II. Look through the text again and answer the following questions:

1. What is an assembly line?

2. What is an assembly line needed for?

3. What does a system of scheduling and control ensure?

4. Why are most products still assembled by hand?

5. Do you agree that the development of versatile automatic machinery is increasing the flexibility of fully automated assembly operations? Give your arguments.

III. Match the words with their definitions and make up your own sentences with these words:

1. equipment a) the production of goods industrially;

2. operation b) the amount produced in a given period;

3. simultaneous c) diversified, inconstant;

4. to refine d) elasticity, ductility, plasticity, pliancy;

5. to manufacture e) a set of devices for a specific purpose;

6. machine f) to join, fasten or connect;

7. output g) a state of being in effect or action;

8. versatile h) to separate (a mixture) into pure constituents;

9. flexibility i) concurrent, synchronous;

10. to attach j) a mechanically operated device;

IV. Find information about the operation of modern conveyor systems. While looking for information you are free to use the internet sites given below as well as any other online resources.

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