Factors affecting process planning.
a. Size and shape of part: The size and shape of many components decides the basic operations for the manufacturing of pert. For example : For manufacturing a shaft, the necessity information is shape of raw material, size of shaft, according to that we select the sequence of operations, machines to be used and material handling activities.
b. Strength characteristics of the part: The part strength also decides that which type of process is employed for producing it. Because the different types of load acted on the part during its working such as impact load, tensile load or shock load etc. according to that process planning is done.
c. Quantity required: According to the no. of output produced, the process planning is decided. For example: Part which is manufacture in large no. for that general purpose machine is used and for large size and less no. of part special purpose machines are used.
d. The accuracy and surface quality required: For achieving accuracy, product should be manufactured such a way that it should give higher dimensional accuracy and high degree of surface finish according to that machines and process is to be selected.
e. Utilization of existing equipments: While selecting the process, full capacity of existing machines & its tooling must be utilized, otherwise the existing machinery will remain idle and more capital will be invested on new machines.
f. Skill of manpower: Skill of available manpower must be known to determine the need for added operations to avoid defectives due to poor workmanship.
g. Delivery date of components or product: Short time period of delivery generally do not allow process engineer to select most economical process and tool for economic production. Due to insufficient time, he may use less efficient machine and tool on hand.
On other hand, longer delivery schedule give process engineer sufficient time to go details of each aspect to select most economical process.