3.7.1

Timber: Scales of Production

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Continuous and Mass Production

Scales of production can be defined as the number of products produced over a period of time. For example continuous production, mass production, batch production, and one off/job production.

Continuous production

Continuous production

  • Continuous production can run 24 hours seven days a week.
  • These products are either in high demand or thousands of people use them.
  • Continuous production with timber is uncommon however the processing of timber and logs is normally continuous.
Costs of continuous production

Costs of continuous production

  • Continuous production often means high shipping costs to transport the products worldwide.
  • Continuous production has high tooling or machine costs as they perform specific tasks quickly.
  • The unit costs for each product is relatively cheap.
Mass production

Mass production

  • Products are produced in their thousands, such as small crates.
  • Tooling and machining costs will be fairly high but there will be a degree of flexibility to change dimensions, for instance.
  • Shipping costs may be depending highly on where the product is made.
  • Mass-made products are typically made from softwoods as they are readily available and easier to source than hardwoods.

Batch and One-Off/Job Production

Scales of production can be defined as the number of products produced over a period of time. For example continuous production, mass production, batch production, and one off/job production.

Batch production

Batch production

  • Batch products are produced in smaller quantities.
  • Batch production is used for products that have a smaller shelf life or need to be adapted and changed throughout the year.
Batch production cont.

Batch production cont.

  • Batch production will require a moderately skilled worker who has the ability to change and produce the design from wood.
  • Batch production is sometimes done when the demand of the product can vary and requires a very organised approach.
Reasons for batch production

Reasons for batch production

  • Some small manufacturers will go with batch production to save on warehouse storage costs.
  • Some small companies produce products in batch if they are working from their profits which mean they can only produce more when the current products have sold.
One off/job production

One off/job production

  • One-off and job production is often creating niche and tailor-made woodworking products.
  • These can simply be driftwood furniture or bespoke cabinets that are customised for the end user.
  • These products demand a higher price as the labour skill level is so high.
One off/job production cont.

One off/job production cont.

  • It is difficult to produce furniture at this level as the price will be above what the average customer could afford.
  • Sometimes these carpenters/manufacturers will have a cash injection from an investor that then turns the company into a mass manufacturing company.
Jump to other topics
1

Core Technical Principles

2

Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3

Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4

Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5

Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6

Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7

Designing & Making Principles

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