Plant layout contd.

a) PRODUCT LAYOUT
Machines are arranged according to sequence of operations. This type of layout is preferred for mass production with less variety-normally used in assembly shop of automobiles, mass production of plastic goods and still mills etc.

Advantages:
-Minimizing material handling due to straight flow.
-Product completes in lesser time.
-Continuous flow of work.
-Better coordination in planning & control of production.
-Less floor area for same volume of work.
-Less skilled worker.
b) PROCESS LAYOUT
Machines performing similar operations are arranged in groups at one location not according to sequence of operation. For examples all lathe m/cs are placed at one place and all milling m/cs are placed at another place. Generally used for low volume of production needed at regular interval.

Advantages:
-Lower initial investment
-General purpose m/cs may serve the purpose
-Greater flexibility in utilisation.
-Optimum use of m/cs.
-At the time of breakdown, transferring of work to other m/cs may easily be done.
-Variety of parts make the work interesting and challanging.
-Better productivity,as supervisor and worker attend one type of m/c.

OBJECTIVES OF GOOD PLANT LAYOUT
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Plant Layout

Plant is a place, where persons, money, material, machinery, equipment and tools etc are brought together for producing/ manufacturing products. Layout means a plan/ method for arranging all these facilities/ things in an effective & perfect manner so that all the functions are carried out effectively and economically.

Layout is not restricted to plant only it is equally necessary for houses, buildings,schools, colleges, hospitals, malls and other such constructions.

Again plant layout does not mean of planning new plants only. It may involve:
1. Re-layout of existing plant i.e. relocation
2. Expansion of existing plant
3. Modification/ improvement of existing plant.
Plant layout may be divided mainly into two types.
a) Product Layout
b) process Layout