Computer-controlled automated machine

USA by Raytheon, following the success of its all composite turboprop, Starship. Called Premier 1, the business jet has an all RP fuselage with metal alloy wing. The carbon fiber/epoxy honeycomb fuselage is produced by computer-controlled automated machines, which are quicker than the hand lay-up used for the Starship. The cabin is reported to be 178 mm higher and 203 mm wider than competitors. The construction saves weight and is stronger than alnminnm. 

The use of solid-state controls has simplified present computer control. Automation can cover a range of computer sophistication. A computer can be a small relatively inexpensive unit developed just for cdntrolling molding machines. 

A recent trend in particle analysis has been the introduction of personal computer-based automation (3). Sophisticated software packages can be used to automate and speed up the analysis. In some cases these computers can even carry out continuous process control (qv) (see Computer technology). The latest machines also allow the measurements of smaller particles and can detect a wider range of sizes. Machines based on light-scattering principles are being more widely accepted by the industry because of speed. An average analysis takes from 1—2 min, whereas those based on sedimentation principles require from 10—120 min. 

The electrical section contains all electrical controls and components (e.g., programmable controllers, relays, contacts, and fuses), the signal wire distribution, and the integrated or remote force control systems. On many machines the electrical section is connected to the front of the press, thus minimizing space requirements. However, modern fully automated machines use computers that may be sensitive to machine vibration, dust, and heat. Therefore, these electronics should be located remotely from the machine. 

Automated processing equipment CNC machine tools, computer-controlled plastic-injection machines, etc. 

An FMS is an automated, mid-volume, mid-variety, central computer-controlled manufacturing system. It can be used to produce a variety of products with virtually no time lost for changeover from one product to the next. Sometimes FMS can be defined as a set of machines in which parts are automatically transported under computer control from one machine to another for processing (Jha 1991). 

Automated manufacturing is the general term for computer-controlled machine tools and robots in manufacturing. 

A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) is formed by two or more workstations usually based in Numerical Control Machine Tools, interconnected by an automated logistic subsystem, all of them under a computer control. System flexibility allows to react to changes in manufacturing requirements, whether they are either foreseen or unforeseen, adapting its operation to the new conditions. This flexibility makes FMS especially suitable for the manufacturing of small batches. 

Machinery should be built in such a way as to minimise the exposure of workers to the cutting fluids. Manual feeding of workpieces, oil contact when machines are shut off and hands are placed into the machines, and the need to hold workpieces under the flow of oil when it is being machined are machine-design problems which will increase the risk of development of dermatitis. Increasing automation with computer-controlled machines which are enclosed to prevent oil contact will reduce the incidence of dermatitis. 

Automated equipment is now manufactured for production punching of micro-holes in tape-cast product. Most of these machines use a computer-controlled punch head with reported punching speeds of up to 10 holes per second on 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) movements. The reported hole sizes range from 0.102 mm to 9.525 mm (0.004 to 0.375 in.). Square holes, triangular holes, and oval-shaped holes are also within the capability of these machines. The reported positional resolution is 2.54 pm (0.0001 in.) and the positional accuracy is 5 pm (0.0002 in.).io... 

The most widely used instrument for measuring the viscoelastic properties of solids is the tensile tester or stress-strain instrument, which extends a sample at constant rate and records the stress. Creep and stress-relaxation can also be measured. Numerous commercial instruments of various sizes and capacities are available. They vary greatly in terms of automation, from manually operated to completely computer controlled. Some have temperature chambers, which allow measurements over a range of temperatures. Manufacturers include Applied Test Systems, Benz, Corn-Ten Industries, Custom Scientific, Detroit Testing Machine, Dillon Force Measuremet, Dynatek, GRC Instruments, Instron, MTS, Monsanto, SATEC Systems, Inc., Shimadzu, Thwing-Albert, and Tinius Olsen. 

The artificial SSR is a collection of automated machines and robots. Their cooperation and coordination for achieving tasks from the simplest (e.g., fabricating a part, or manipulating a part in a sequence of steps for an assemblage operation) to the most complex ones (e.g., the fabrication and assemblage of computing hardware and software installation for a new piece of fabrication machinery) requires extensive, continuous, multipoint, and multi-level communication of information between machines, control functions, and software components. 

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