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Design Recommendations

In general, automation involves high initial cost of equipment as well as a knowledge of operation and maintenance required.

A careful study with regards to the true needs of the organization should be carried before deciding on implementing an automated transfer line, even at low level at automation.

If a sufficient number of workers is available, and if the level of their skills is high and the labor cost is justified, the need for automation is less.

In the design of large transfer machines, the matter of the geometric arrangement of the various production units must be considered.

The degree of precision needed, as well as the size, rigidity, and design of the workpieces, play a major role in deciding whether or not to use carrier pallets or fixtures. Those pallets and fixtures contain locating holes or points that mate with retracting pins or fingers at each work station.

The most significant part of the design lies in designing the line itself so that it operates efficiently as a whole. The process time at each station must be the same, with the total nonproductive time for all other stations minimized.