Stages of the technological process

Almost every product goes through three stages: first a blank is obtained, then finished parts are made from it, and finally the parts are assembled into the product. For example, in the casting or stamping shop of a machine-building plant a metal blank close in shape to the future part is obtained; the closer it is to the final size, the less metal has to be cut away later. In the machining shop, turners, millers, fitters and finishers give the blank its exact shape on machine tools; if needed, the part is strengthened by heat or chemical treatment and given a coating that protects it from rust. In the assembly shop separate units (for example an engine) are assembled first, then the whole machine is put together from them on a conveyor. Before a new product goes into mass production the enterprise prepares it in three ways: designers draw the working drawings, technologists plan the process and write the route and operation cards, and organisers deal with the shops, supply and a trial sample. When planning the process, the technologist considers not only the requirements for the product but also which machine tools, tools and skilled workers the enterprise has.