TYPES OF AUTOMATION
Manufacturing is one of the most important application fields for automation technology. There are several types of automation in manufacturing. The examples of automated systems used in manufacturing are described below.
1. Fixed automation, sometimes called «hard automation» refers to automated machines in which the equipment configuration allows fixed sequence of processing operations. These machines are programmed by their design to make only certain processing operations. They are not easily changed over from one product to another. This form of automation needs high initial investments and high production rates. That is why it is suitable for products that are made in large volumes. Examples of fixed automation are machining transfer lines found in the automobile industry, automatic assembly machines and certain chemical processes.
2. Programmable automation is a form of automation for producing products in large quantities, ranging from several dozen to several thousand units at a time. For each new product the production equipment must be re-programmed and changed over. This reprogramming and changeover take a period of non-productive time. Production rates in programmable automation are generally lower than in fixed automation, because the equipment is designed to facilitate product changeover rather than for product specialization. A numerical-control machine-tool is a good example of programmable automation. The programme is coded in computer memory for each different product style and the machine-tool is controlled by the computer programme.
3. Flexible automation is a kind of programmable automation. Programmable automation requires time to reprogram and change over the production equipment for each series of new product. This is lost production time, which is expensive. In flexible automation the number of products is limited so that the changeover of the equipment can be done very quickly and automatically. The reprogramming of the equipment in flexible automation is done at a computer terminal without using the production equipment itself. Flexible automation allows a mixture of different products to be produced one right after another.

2. Письменно (с переводом) ответить на во к тексту.
Answer the questions:
1. What is the most important application of automation?
2. What types of automation are used in manufacturing?
3. What is fixed automation?
4. What are the limitations of hard automation?
5. What is the best example of programmable automation?
6. What are the limitations of programmable automation?
7. What are the advantages of flexible automation?
8. Is it possible to produce different products one after another using automation technology?

4. Письменно (на англ. языке с русским переводом) объяснить понятия.
Explain in English what does the following mean:
1. automation technology
2. fixed automation
3. assembly machines
4. non-productive time
5. programmable automation
6. computer terminal
7. numerical-control machine-tool

1. The most important application of automation is in manufacturing.
Explanation: Automation technology is widely used in manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, productivity, and accuracy.

2. The types of automation used in manufacturing are fixed automation, programmable automation, and flexible automation.
Explanation: These different types of automation provide varying levels of adaptability and versatility in production processes.

3. Fixed automation, also known as hard automation, refers to machines that are designed to perform specific processing operations in a fixed sequence.
Explanation: These machines are programmed to perform a set of predetermined actions and are not easily changed to accommodate different products.

4. The limitations of fixed automation include high initial investments and the inability to easily change over from one product to another.
Explanation: Fixed automation is suitable for manufacturing products in large volumes but may not be cost-effective for small production runs or products that require frequent changes.

5. A numerical-control machine-tool is a good example of programmable automation.
Explanation: Programmable automation involves reprogramming and changing the production equipment for each new product. Numerical-control machine-tools are controlled by computer programs that are coded for each different product style.

6. The limitations of programmable automation include the time required for reprogramming and changing over the production equipment.
Explanation: Reprogramming and changeover of production equipment can result in non-productive time, which can be expensive for manufacturers.

7. The advantages of flexible automation include the ability to quickly and automatically change over the production equipment for different products.
Explanation: Flexible automation allows manufacturers to produce a mixture of different products one right after another, minimizing non-productive time and increasing efficiency.

8. Yes, it is possible to produce different products one after another using automation technology.
Explanation: Flexible automation allows for the quick changeover of production equipment, making it possible to produce different products in succession without significant downtime.

4. Понятия:

1. Automation technology (технология автоматизации) - refers to the use of machines, computer systems, and control systems to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention.

2. Fixed automation (жесткая автоматизация) - a type of automation where machines are designed to perform specific processing operations in a fixed sequence, with limited flexibility for product changeover.

3. Assembly machines (монтажные машины) - automated machines designed to assemble or join components together to create a finished product.

4. Non-productive time (непроизводственное время) - refers to the period of time during which production equipment is not actively producing goods or performing productive tasks.

5. Programmable automation (программируемая автоматизация) - a type of automation that allows for the reprogramming and changeover of production equipment to accommodate different products or production requirements.

6. Computer terminal (компьютерный терминал) - a device that allows a user to input and receive data from a computer or computer system.

7. Numerical-control machine-tool (числовой станок с программным управлением) - a machine tool or machining system that is controlled by a computer program, enabling precise and automated control of the machining process.