Continuous manufacturing involves ongoing processing of materials, with facilities in constant operation to meet high consumer demand. It differs from batch manufacturing and requires production controllers to maintain efficiency and quality. Examples of products made using this approach include petroleum-based products, household items, building materials, and electrical components.
Continuous manufacturing is a strategy that involves ongoing processing of materials as part of the manufacturing effort. Often, this means that manufacturing facilities are in constant operation, producing products that are in high demand by consumers of all types. This form of production is common in many industries, including oil and automotive industries.
This form of processing is different from the other more common manufacturing model, known as batch manufacturing. A continuous approach to manufacturing requires raw materials to be consumed in the manufacturing process on a continuous basis. With batch manufacturing, materials are used to complete a single batch or batch, and then the process begins again with a new batch of raw materials. While both methods strive to maintain consistent quality, there are more chances for some minor differences from one batch to another.
Production controllers are used to maintain the efficiency and quality of continuous production. These controllers vary in type and purpose from one industry to another. Controllers often focus attention on the performance of the machinery used in the manufacturing process, as well as the quality of the raw materials used in the process. Monitoring every aspect of production helps ensure the quality of the products produced as well as maintain acceptable production quotas.
One of the defining characteristics of continuous manufacturing is the constant influx of raw materials coupled with the constant flow of processed materials through the production cycle. An excellent example of this type of production is the processing of petroleum refining. The ongoing cycle of petroleum refining leads to the creation of various types of petroleum-based products, including gasoline and various types of machine and motor oils. Because the demand for these products is so high, manufacturing facilities often operate around the clock, with as little downtime for maintenance as possible.
Many products are manufactured using a continuous production model. Some of these are common household items, like laundry detergent. A number of processed foods are also produced using this model. Building materials, such as brick or precast concrete block, are often manufactured using a continuous manufacturing process. Cleaning products and even garden fertilizers are sometimes manufactured using this approach. Even some forms of textile production can rightly be called continuous production.
Electrical components are another example of goods created using continuous manufacturing. This approach helps maintain consistency in size, design and quality, even if a single unit is produced days or even weeks apart. The production model therefore makes it relatively easy to protect a circuit for a certain type of electronic device, even if the device is several years old.
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