The Use of Numerical Control Technology in Small Metalworking Plants.

摘要

Numerical control of metalworking machines and flexible manufacturing systems could help raise metalworking productivity. These systems permit automation of small-lot production and more variety in design than mass production allows. Their information requirements are much greater,however,and progress in adopting them has been slower than anticipated. This report identifies three major barriers--aside from market factors--that have prevented more small firms from adopting numerical control techniques:The inability of small manufacturers to test objectively the new techniques on their own products,independently from the vendor;the difficulty of measuring the indirect benefits of automated equipment,such as the value of flexibility to a small firm;and the fear of too much costly downtime,because complex machinery cannot be repaired quickly.