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Plant Layout Essay

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PLANT LAYOUT

Introduction –

Plant layout is very essential and needs consideration and attention from the very beginning so as to avoid subsequent problems. Though one can think of several layouts but the best one is obviously the one, which is both very systematic and cheap. It is arrangement of machines, scientific use of work area, easy and convenient transport system, easy sorting out of materials and processing different parts. Since the area has already been selected and it is neither possible to neither change that nor expand that as per needs of the factory therefore layout is to be adjusted accordingly. Thus layout is disposition of various facilities and services of the plant within the specified area. It …show more content…

Sufficient provision should be made of stocking raw materials and goods on the one hand and overhead material handling equipment on the other.

Types of layouts

1) Process or functional layout
2) Product or line layout
3) Project or fixed position layout

A) Process or functional layout

Process layout also called “ layout by function” is generally associated with batch production. The factory is divided into process units (or departments), and within these process units all similar facilities are grouped together. Process, for example, is kept at one place; milling machines are placed at another place; drilling machines are kept at third place; gear-cutting machines are located at fourth place; and so on and so forth. Process type of layout is suitable when,
1) The products are non-standard, or
2) There are wide variations in the processing times of individual operations.

Advantages:

1. Lower capital investment on account of comparatively less number of machines and lower costs of general-purpose machines.
2. Higher utilization of available equipment.
3. Greater flexibility in regards to allocation of work to equipment and workers.
4. Breakdown of equipment, absenteeism of the workmen and/or non-availability of certain materials do not dislocate the manufacturing activity on the shop floor.
5. Workers attain greater skills since

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