NC Machine Work and Computer Integration

Abstract

In this paper we discuss changes in the division of labour and the requirements for qualification along the production chain concentrating on operations planning, NC programming and NC machining. The field of interest is companies within the engineering industry that use integrated CADCAM and NC machine tools. The paper is based on case studies in three large and seven small Swedish companies. Although all the large companies aim at group organizations, the changes in NC machine work and division of labour vary from horizontal integration of tasks to a broad and genuine requalification on the shop floor. This is explained by variation in the total rationalization activities and production concepts within the companies due to differences in production conditions as well as management perspectives. We also discuss the changes in industrial engineering in the different production concepts. Furthermore we note that CADCAM so far is connected to increased division of labour in programming. The paper concludes with proposals for the development of three alternative forms of work teams with different kinds of qualified NC machine work.