Assembly line

Assembly line is a manufacturing process in which parts (usually interchangeable parts) are added to a product in a sequential manner to create a finished product much faster than with handcrafting-type methods. The division of labour, coupled with the ability to interchange parts, allows for quick assembly and high production rates, making the assembly line a key component in the industrial revolution.

History

The concept of the assembly line has been used for centuries, but it was not until the 20th century that it was fully realized. The first assembly lines were used in the meatpacking industry in the late 19th century, but the real breakthrough came with Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company in the early 20th century.

Ford and the Modern Assembly Line

Henry Ford is often credited with inventing the assembly line, but in reality, he simply improved and refined the concept. Ford's real contribution was the introduction of the moving assembly line. Prior to this, workers would have to move around a factory to assemble a product. Ford's innovation was to have the product move to the workers. This dramatically increased efficiency and allowed Ford to drastically reduce the price of his cars, making them affordable for the average consumer.

Types of Assembly Lines

There are several types of assembly lines, each suited to a particular type of manufacturing. The most common types are:

• Single-Station Assembly Lines: In this type of assembly line, a single worker or a group of workers assemble a whole product from start to finish.
• Progressive Assembly Lines: This is the most common type of assembly line. In a progressive assembly line, the product moves from station to station, with each worker or group of workers performing a specific task.
• Modular Assembly Lines: In a modular assembly line, different modules or sub-assemblies are produced on separate assembly lines. These modules are then brought together to form the final product.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of the assembly line is its ability to produce products quickly and efficiently. This leads to lower costs, which can be passed on to the consumer in the form of lower prices. However, there are also disadvantages. Assembly line work can be monotonous and physically demanding. It can also lead to a devaluation of skilled labour, as workers are often required to perform a single, repetitive task.

See Also

• Industrial revolution
• Interchangeable parts
• Henry Ford
• Ford Motor Company