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New and emerging technologies - Coggle Diagram
New and emerging technologies
Production techniques and systems, Developments in mass production techniques have led to a variety of production methods being created to improve efficiency by saving time and cutting costs.
Automation
The automation of workplaces has led to an increase in skilled workers but a decrease in job opportunities, as machines have taken over the jobs previously done by humans. Automation has streamlined the manufacturing system by increasing production and reducing errors.
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided design (CAD) now has the capability to design new products in 3D, visualise them in a variety of materials and send images around the world for collaboration and consultation. Once production is finalised, these designs are sent to computer aided manufacture (CAM) machines to be formed. Autodesk and Solidworks are common forms of CAD software used.
Advantages
Ideas can be drawn and developed quickly
Designs can be viewed from all angles and with a range of materials
Some testing and consumer feedback can be done before costly production takes place
Disadvantages
Expensive to set up
Needs a skilled work for
Difficult to keep up with constantly changing and improving technology
Computer aided manufacture (CAM)
By using computer aided manufacture (CAM), designs can be sent to CAM machines such as laser cutters, 3D printers and milling machines.
Advantages
Fast and accurate
Machines can run constantly on repetitive tasks
Disadvantages
Expensive to set up
Needs a skilled workforce
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are a series of different machines producing different parts for a product. The system is flexible because, at any time, machines in the process can be reprogrammed to change their task and production can be changed to produce more or fewer parts without stopping the other areas of the process.
Just in time (JIT)
Just in time (JIT) manufacturing is triggered by a customer order. The correct amounts of materials are ordered in to cover the order, and these arrive just as they are needed by production. This saves money on storage, reduces waste and ensures there is no money wasted producing stock that will remain unsold. There are disadvantages to the system in that, if any part of the product cannot be sourced, clients have to wait for their order to be produced.
Lean manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a Japanese concept, based on minimising costs and maximising efficiency by cutting down on waste and the amount of materials and energy used in production. This is done by adapting designs and making changes to the production process. For example, to reduce waste, a packaging net could be redesigned to include a tessellating pattern or, to improve efficiency, changeover times between production runs could be reduced.
Informing design decisions
It is important for designers to consider a wide range of perspectives when designing a product and to consider the many scenarios that affect the product’s life.
Planned obsolescence
Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products that will have a limited life and that will become obsolete and require to be replaced, such as disposable razors. Modern mobile phones are a good example as they need continual software upgrades and they are soon replaced by new better-performing models. Planned obsolescence is generally bad for the environment as it creates more waste.
Design for maintenance
Design for maintenance is a term used when designing products that are more durable and have spare parts available to mend and maintain them. This is only possible with low-tech or modular products that don’t require a great deal of skill to repair. For example, a push bike can be regularly maintained, with parts such as pedals and chains being replaced when they are damaged.
Design for disassembly
Design for disassembly is a concept that when a product has reached the end of its life it can be taken apart and parts reused or recycled. For instance, a stool could be unscrewed to allow the plastic seat and steel legs to be recycled.
Environmental design
Environmental design is something designers are increasingly considering by:
making products from renewable materials, such as paper straws instead of plastic, to create less waste material
transporting materials in a more efficient way to cut down on emissions of greenhouse gases
cutting down the use of finite resources for use in production and for energy supply; improving the overall environmental impact of a product