As single stations are the most used type of manufacturing system in contemporary industry, we shall focus upon their features and operations in the following sections and sub-sections.

Single-station manufacturing cells can be manual or automated, and can be used for either processing or assembly; they can be designed for single model production, batch production, or mixed model production. The most common type of single-station manufacturing cell is the single-station manned cell, consisting of one worker tending one machine; it is found throughout job shop and batch production environments, and is found even in high production scenarios. Its popularity is owing to:

·     Quick set-up and maintenance requirements Its relative inexpensiveness.

·     It often represents the lowest cost set-up per unit produced.

·     Its flexibility in the face of changeovers from one part style to another ENDLIST.

The single-station manned cell is the most popular type of single-station manufacturing cell owing to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and relatively quick set-up and maintenance characteristics.

In the single-station manufacturing cell the machine is usually manually or semi­operated. In the manually operated station the operator controls the machine, loads and unloads the work, and monitors the work cycle either continuously or for most of the cycle time. It may also require the operator to use a variety of work tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, or portable powered tools etc., to perform additional processes in the cell. All work tasks are performed at one station (one location) in the factory. In the semi-automated station the machine is controlled by a part programme, leaving the operator free to perform additional tasks, such as loading and unloading the machine, performing tool maintenance, and controlling changeovers. Typically operators’ attention would be required at the end of every work cycle, and not necessarily on a continual basis.

The machines in single-station manufacturing cells are usually manually or semi­operated.

Variations from the standard single-station manufacturing cell include:

·     Where two or more workers are require to operate the machine fulltime to accomplish the work task.

·     Where the principal production machinery is augmented by auxiliary machines in

the manufacturing cell.