Module 3: The Manufacturing Process – Lesson 4: Production Processes and Their Characteristics

Lesson 4 focuses on the production processes and the characteristics of each.  There are many different processes involved in manufacturing.  These process can occur in the same facility or in different facilities.  Students should have a knowledge of these various processes and what they involve.  This will help students know the different opportunities and processes available in manufacturing facilities. (Slides 18-40; pgs. 186-195, 220-248)

YouTube video showing many of the processes –

The processes include:

  1. Discrete Manufacturing “Parts Manufacturing”

-Assembly (weld, screw, glue)

-Cut, bend, machine, and mold mats. into products

  1. Process Manufacturing

-Involves changing the nature of ingredients by

applying heat or pressure, by mixing or

separating, or through chemical reactions.

Example:

-Bottled water is forced

through filters to remove

impurities (solids) [separating]

  1. Combined Manufacturing

-Combines Discrete & Process manufacturing

Example:

-Manufacturing a Book

  1. Make paper & ink (heat/pressure) – Process
  2. Cut paper, bind/assemble pages – Discrete

4. Continuous Production

-Continuously making the same or similar products over a long period of time with no interruptions.

  1. Custom Production

– To produce a product specifically for a single customer.

  1. Casting/Molding/Forming

-Shape materials into products from a liquid

  1. Prepare mold (larger than final product)
  2. Prepare material (liquid/soft)
  3. Fill mold (use correct flow rate)
  4. Allow material to harden (usu. cool)
  5. Remove the workpiece
  6. Machining

-Cut and shape materials, and add detail.

  1. CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  2. Drilling (a hole)
  3. Turning (remove materials using a lathe machine)
  4. Sawing
  5. Milling (cut with a multi-toothed rotating tool).
  6. Conditioning:

-Strengthens materials using heat, pressure, or chemicals

  1. Finishing:

Enhances the appearance and protects product.

Examples: Sanding, buffing, polishing, coating

  1. Assembling:

Join parts by using heat, adhesives, or fasteners

Examples: Welding, Bonding, Mechanical Fastening (screws, nails, rivets)

  1. Separating

– Separate liquid parts from solid parts.

Examples:

-Mechanical (centrifuge – washing machine)

-Heat (distillation)

-Chemical (decaffeinated coffee)

  1. Combining:

To blend ingredients together

You can introduce students to the processes using the powerpoint slides and have them take notes.  You could also assign pairs or groups of students various processes and have them research each process and present the information to the class.  You could then wrap up or review the processes with the powerpoint slides after students present.

Production Processes Quizlet – https://quizlet.com/_2eevvf

Optional Assignment:

Have students pick an industry of their choice/interest and identify the production processes involved in the industry.

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