The idea of a microfactory is not standard. It is a manufacturing term with a broad definition. It is a manufacturing, assembly, or production facility that produces small quantities of goods in a space that is more compact than conventional factories. To maximise capacity and quality while lowering costs through minimal investment and operational manpower, microfactories are often highly automated and robotised.
The key benefits of the microfactory are the enormous resource savings in terms of time, space, energy, and materials. They require less equipment and capacity than traditional factories, reducing initial investment, rampup time, and operational costs radically.
Because of their decreased dimensions, most microfactories are used for small-batch manufacturers of a wide range of items rather than conventional mass production. The manufactured goods often have a tiny form factor and are light in weight.
Automatic machine tools, CNC tools, robotic arms, assembly systems, quality inspection systems, material feeders, guides, waste elimination and collection systems, packaging and marking applications, and solutions for monitoring tool performance are just a few features that make up microfactory configurations.
Birth of the Microfactory concept
The Mechanical Engineer Laboratory (MEL) of Japan initially introduced the idea of a Microfactory in 1990.
After that, MEL spent almost a decade working on a project to reduce the size of manufacturing systems and machine tools. In 1996, MEL created a micro lathe no larger than a human palm.
This prompted MEL to develop a working prototype of a complete manufacturing facility, which ultimately led to the development of the first desktop fabrication machine for the manufacturing of microball bearings in 1999.
Microfactory vs Conventional Manufacturing Model
Esta historia es de la edición April 2023 de EM - Efficient Manufacturing.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2023 de EM - Efficient Manufacturing.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Evolving for Decades: Transformative Journey of Lead-Acid Batteries Continues
From ancient electrochemical experiments to modern energy storage innovations, the Lead-Acid Battery's enduring evolution powers the world's progress with unmatched versatility and sustainability.
India's Alternative Fuel Landscape
This article unfolds the structure of alternative fuel development in India with a crucial phase towards sustainable industrial growth. Alternatives such as biofuel, hydrogen, LNG, and electricity are transforming industries as well as shaping the future of the nation.
Accelerating India's Automotive Manufacturing [with ERP Solutions]
Rapid technical breakthroughs are revolutionising customer happiness and manufacturing in the dynamic automobile industry. Agile ERP solutions are essential to enable simpler operations and faster expansion in light of the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Evolving Fire Safety Regulations: Challenges in Compliance
Adapting to evolving fire safety regulations is crucial for ensuring building integrity and occupant safety. Modern compliance strategies must balance stringent safety standards with the growing demand for sustainable construction materials.
PLC and SCADA in Industrial Automation: Driving Efficiency and Precision
PLCs and SCADA systems are vital technologies in industrial automation, enabling precise control, monitoring, and optimisation of processes across various industries. As these systems evolve with advancements like lloT and Al, they are driving smarter, more efficient operations in the age of Industry 4.0.
ISCAR'S HELIMILL and HELI2000: Driving Progress in Modern Milling Solutions.
ISCAR'S HELIMILL revolutionised the milling industry with its innovative design, using helical cutting edges to enhance performance, accuracy, and durability. The latest advancements, including the HELI2000 platform, integrate highpressure cooling and advanced carbide grades, pushing the boundaries of modern milling technology.
Fortifying Supply Chain resilience with Predictive Analytics
The article emphasises the critical importance of resilient supply chains in the face of various disruptive events. It highlights the significant challenges many companies face in achieving supply chain resilience and discusses how emerging technologies like Al, ML, and lot offer promising solutions.
Battery as a Service and the EV Ecosystem
This article emphasizes the transformative potential of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) in the Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem, highlighting its cost-efficiency, flexibility, and role in accelerating EV adoption. It explores how BaaS can revolutionise EV ownership in India, making sustainable transportation more accessible and scalable.
"Industry 4.0 is essential for sustainable manufacturing"
..says Shailendra Goswami, Chairman & Managing Director at Pushkaraj Group in conversation with Arun Bhardwaj. He shared insights on how Industry 4.0 technologies, sustainability, and innovation are transforming the manufacturing landscape.
In the memory of Ratan Naval Tata: A Tribute from the Efficient Manufacturing Team
Ratan Naval Tata, born on 28th December 1938 in Mumbai, was one of India’s most revered Industrialist and Philanthropist.