AUTOMATION IN INDUSTRY. AUTOMATED PRODUCTION LINES

An automated production line consists of a series of workstations connected by a transfer system to move parts between the stations. This is an example of fixed automation, since these lines are set up for long production runs making large number of product units and running for several years between changeovers.

Each station is designed to perform a specific processing operation, so that the part or product is constructed stepwise as it progresses along the line. A raw work part enters at one end of the line, proceeds through each workstation and appears at the other end as a completed product. In the normal operation of the line, there is a work part being processed at each station, so that many parts are being processed simultaneously and a finished part is produced with each cycle of the line. Various operations, part transfers, and other activities taking place on an automated transfer line must all be sequenced and coordinated properly for the line to operate efficiently.

Modern automated lines are controlled by programmable logic controllers, which are special computers that can perform timing and sequencing functions required to operate such equipment. Automated production lines are utilized in many industries, mostly automobile, where they are used for processes such as machining and pressworking.

Machining is a manufacturing process in which metal is removed by a cutting or shaping tool, so that the remaining work part is of the desired shape. Machinery and motor components are usually made by this process. In many cases, multiple operations are required to completely shape the part. If the part is mass-produced, an automated transfer line is often the most economical method of production. Many separate operations are divided among the workstations.

Pressworking operations involve the cutting and forming of parts from sheets of metal. Examples of such parts include automobile body panels, outer shells of laundry machines and metal furniture. More than one processing step is often required to complete a complicated part. Several presses are connected together in sequence by handling mechanisms that transfer the partially completed parts from one press to the next, thus creating an automated pressworking line.

Task 3. Find in the text the English equivalents for the following.

1. автоматизированная поточная линия;

2. система передач;

3. длительная эксплуатация;

4. необработанная рабочая деталь;

5. готовая продукция;

6. каждый цикл конвейера;

7. программируемые логические контроллеры;

8. выполнять расчет времени;

9. требуются многократные операции;

10. экономичный метод производства;

11. управляющие механизмы;

12. автоматизированная линия штамповки.

Task 4. Match the English equivalents with the Russian ones .

Task 5. Answer the questions.

1. What does an automated production line consist of?

2. How is a rawwork partusually processed on the automated production line?

3. Which industries are automated production lines utilized in?

4. How can you describe the process of machining? What components are made by this process?

5. What does pressworking operations involve?

6. Can you give the examples of work parts made by presswoking?

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an automated production line?

Task 6. Find the synonyms in the first list and the antonyms in the second list given below.

1. modern; to transfer; every; completed; during; step-by-step; to consist of; to move; finished; to utilize; along; contemporary; to involve; each; to use; stepwise.

2. to destroy; complicated; to disappear; to connect; few; to create; to leave; seldom; a lot of; to begin; to disconnect; often; to enter; simplified; to appear;       to complete.

Task 7. Explain or comment the meaning of the following notions in English.

1. an automated production line;

2. a workstation;

3. a work part processing;

4. efficient work of an automated transfer line;

5. programmable logic controllers;

6. machining;

7. pressworking;

8. an automated pressworking line.

Task 8. Retell the text according to the plan suggested.

 1. The definition of an automated production line.

 2. Work stations functioning.

 3.  The production of work parts.

 4. Modern automated production lines and the examples of their utilizing.

 5. Machining and the examples of products made by this process.

 6. Cases when an automated transfer line is considered to be the most economical method of production.

 7. Pressworking operations and the examples of work parts produced by this process.

 8. Description of an automated pressworking line work.

UNIT II. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Step 1. ENERGY AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING