Questions and Answers
What does the word automation mean?
Self-acting
When was the term automation coined?
Mid-1940s
What has allowed automation to drive almost any sort of task?
Computers
Automation can be defined as the process of following a predetermined sequence of operations with little or no human labor, using specialized equipment and devices that perform and control ________.
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What is the difference between mechanization and automation?
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What are some examples of modern automated processes?
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Which of the following are considered benefits of automation? (Select all that apply)
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Automation happens overnight.
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Why is automation considered a solution to a predicted shortage of labor?
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What does CNC stand for?
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Numerical control (NC) is a widely accepted term in the machine tool industry.
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Which of the following is NOT a type of machine tool movement used in CNC?
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The machine tool movements used in producing a product are of two basic types: point-to-point and __________.
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Who devised the Cartesian coordinate system?
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What axes are typically used in CNC systems?
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What point is referred to as the origin or zero point in the Cartesian coordinate system?
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The plus (+) and minus (-) signs in CNC coordinate systems indicate direction from the zero point.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Automation
- The term "automation" originates from the Greek word “automatos,” meaning self-acting.
- Coined by the U.S. automobile industry in the mid-1940s to describe automatic handling of parts in production.
- Early automation utilized mechanical devices to streamline the production of simple items before the advent of computers.
Definition of Automation
- Automation involves executing a predetermined sequence of operations with minimal human intervention, utilizing specialized equipment.
- Achieved through various devices, sensors, actuators, and control techniques that monitor and adjust manufacturing processes.
Manual vs. Automated Processes
- Manual process example: Workers actively control machines, such as a metal lathe, to produce components by hand.
- Automated process example: Automated lathes can feed, shape, and cut materials without constant human oversight, significantly enhancing efficiency.
Evolution of Automation
- Automation transcends mechanization, where machinery assists human operators.
- Industrial robotics is a prominent aspect of automation, with tasks mostly controlled via computer programs, ensuring precision and speed.
Job Displacement Concerns
- Automation may lead to fears about layoffs, yet it doesn't inherently cause long-term unemployment.
- Transition to automation often results in temporary job displacement, balanced by market growth and new industry creation.
- Automation evolves steadily, transforming labor into cleaner, safer, and more fulfilling work, allowing workers to develop new skills for future jobs.
- Addresses labor shortages by providing solutions for tasks where labor is unavailable, serving as a necessary technological adaptation.
Manufacturing Automation Components
- Involves various systems and tools:
- Automatic machine tools for part processing.
- Assembly machines for efficient product assembly.
- Industrial robots for repetitive tasks.
- Automated material handling and storage solutions.
- Inspection and feedback control systems for quality assurance.
- Computer systems for design transformation and manufacturing planning.
Considerations for Automation Decisions
- Factors influencing the decision to automate include:
- Type of product and specific manufacturing processes.
- Quantity and production rate needed.
- Skill level of the existing workforce.
- Potential reliability and maintenance issues with automated systems.
Introduction to CNC Programming
- Numerical Control (NC) allows operators to communicate with machine tools using numbers and symbols.
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) has revolutionized the metalworking industry by enabling high precision in part production.
- Proper programming ensures consistent reproduction of parts with great accuracy.
Key Advantages of CNC
- CNC machines execute operating commands automatically with speed, accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
- Increased CNC use in industry heightens demand for trained personnel capable of preparing machine tool programs.
Cartesian Coordinate System
- Developed by René Descartes, the Cartesian coordinate system describes any point via three perpendicular axes: X, Y, and Z.
- X-axis corresponds to horizontal movement, Y-axis to cross movement, and Z-axis to vertical movement on milling machines.
- The origin, or zero point, is established where horizontal and vertical lines intersect, serving as a reference for all movements.
Types of Machine Tool Movements
- Point-to-Point Movements: Straight-line movements to specific locations.
- Continuous Path Movements: Contouring movements allowing for the creation of complex shapes.
Practical Application
- CNC systems leverage rectangular coordinates for precise location of points on a workpiece.
- Programming is approached via a step-by-step procedure with practical examples for clarity and understanding.
Importance of CNC Knowledge
- Understanding CNC programming fundamentals is crucial for aspiring machinists and operators within the industry.
- The aim is to demystify CNC and make it accessible for students and apprentices through logical explanation and examples.
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Description
This quiz covers the introduction to automation, tracing its origins and development in the U.S. automobile industry. It explains the evolution of automation technology and its significance in modern production processes. Dive into the key concepts that define automation in various fields.
