The design of an automatic hot-stamping process for the production of brass back-nuts

Abstract

In industry, it may happen that certain manual operations tend to become laborious and of a highly repetitive nature as the production rate is increased. The worker may have to deal with certain machinery which requires careful attention or may be exposed for long periods to conditions which might be detrimental to his health. The operator is sensitive to repetitive and careful work, and responds by slowing down production. On the other hand he may also maintain a high production rate, but his careful attention in handling the various devices decreases. This may result in accidents. A large amount of man hours of work are lost annually from accidents caused by repetitive routine work. For a factory to remain competitive on the market, its production rate must be maintained and possibly increased. A solution to the problem may be to install automatic machines which would reduce repetitive manual work. Besides maintaining the safety regulations for the worker and relieve the operator from tedious work, he could take care of other automatic machine tools. In this manner while production rates are increased, labour costs decrease. The aim of this project was to automate a hot-stamping process required for the production of brass components as used in domestic water taps manufactured at the Malta Brass Factory.