4. Automation

New words and word-combinations to be remembered:

efficient means of labour ефективні засоби праці

to meet the requirements відповідати потребам

Increased capacity підвищена потужність

replacement заміна

Introduction of programme control technique застосування методу програмо­ваного контролю

automatic and semi-automatic machinery автоматичне та напівавтоматичне устаткування

numerically controlled machine верстат з числовим управлінням

Integral part невід'ємна частина

transfer machine транспортувальна машина

automatic assembly автоматичне складання, монтаж

communication engineering техніка зв'язку

control engineering техніка управління

to transfer передавати

to exclude вивільнити

flexible manufacturing systems гнучкі автоматизовані системи

mechanical device механічний пристрій

automated production line автоматизована виробнича лінія

computer technology комп'ютерна технологія

The machine is known to be the major and efficient means of labour in modern production. The machine-building industry pro­duces various kinds of machinery and machine-tools to meet the requirements of engineering branches as well as the light and food industries. The engineering industry is characterized by such features as increased capacities and speeds of machinery, the replacement of mechanical control systems by electrical and hydraulic ones. It is characterized by simplification of machinery design, an increasing use of automatic devices and the introduction of programme control techniques on a mass scale. Automation of production means producing automatic and semiautomatic machinery, machine-tools, numerically controlled machines based on microprocessors and microcomputers, installing transfer lines. It is a key production for the building of the material and technical base of economy. What is automation? Shortly speaking, automation consists of four integral parts: transfer machines, automatic assembly, communication engineering and control engineer­ing. There is difference between mechanization and automation. In automation the functions of control, maintaining machines are trans­ferred to other machines while in mechanization these functions are transferred to the working mechanizms.

The mechanized and automated production lines replace the work of a tremendous number of workers. There are fully automated enterprises such as chemical and hydro-power plants. The development and mass production of new types of computer technology makes it possible to exclude man from the entire technological processes.

The so-called flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are able to meet the demands of industry. They are considered to be the future of the automated plant.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the machine in modem production?

2. What does the machine-building industry produce?

3. What are the main features of the engineering industry?

4. What is automation of production?

5. What is automation?

6. What is the difference between automation and mechanization?

7. Where is automation and automatic control introduced to?

8. What is the function computers in automation processes?

9. What are the flexible manufacturing systems?

Speak on automation using the following word-combinations:

Speciality — automation:

— to be much interested in;

— to choose as speciality;

— to be trained at special departments of higher schools;

— production of machinery meets the requirements of different branches of industries;

— characteristic features of the field: replacement of mechaniza­tion, increasing use of automatic devices, introduction of programme control techniques;

— automation of production means producing automatic machin­ery, numerically controlled machines, computers, microcomputers, microprocessors;

— integral parts of automation, transfer machines, automatic Assembly, communication engineering, control engineering;

— difference between mechanization and automation;

— further development of automation and FMS.