NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing Systems: Assignment 1.

NAMES: Shumba Bridgette B (N01415604M)

Muzirikazi Chipochashe (N01413833Q)
Sibanda Bridget (N01415853Y)
Lovelord Meda (N01414159Q)
Mildred Nyoni (N01413428W)
Rosemary Matiza (N01413456P)
Sosten Magweva ( N01414175G)
LECTURER: ENGINEER.T.R.CHIKOWORE.

SUBMISSION DATE: 15/02/17.

MONOCODE.
1.0 Introduction

Coding is a process of establishing symbols to be used for meaningful communication.

Classification is a separate process in which parts are categorized into groups, sometimes
called families, according to a set of rules or principles.

Coding can be used for classification purposes, and classification requirements must be

considered during the construction of a coding scheme. Coding and classification are closely
related. Before coding a scheme can be constructed, a survey of all component
features must be completed and then code values can be assigned to the features .The
selection of relevant features depends on the application of the coding scheme. For example,
tolerance is not important for design retrieval; therefore it is not a feature in a design –
oriented coding system. Monocode also known as the Hierarchical structure can be defined
as one in which in which the interpretation of each successive symbol depends on the value
of the preceding symbols. In hierarchical structure each code number is classified by the
preceding characters. One advantage is that it can represent a large amount of information
with a very few code positions. A drawback is the potential complexity of the system.
Hierarchical codes are difficult to develop because of all the branches in the hierarchy must
be defined.

Digit 1 = 1 -> Component

Digit 2 = 4 ->Cylinder
Digit 3 = Diameter,
Digit 4 = Length,
Digit 2 = 5 -> Rectangular
Digit 3 = Length,
Digit 4= Width,
Digit 5 = Height, etc.

Monocode can be illustrated by means of tree structure.

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 Figure 1.0 Monocode Tree Structure ().

A hierarchical code provides a large amount of information in a relatively small number of

digits. Starting at the main trunk of the tree, you need to answer a series of questions about
the item being coded. Continuing in this manner, you work your way through the tree to a
termination branch. By recording each choice as you answer each question, you will build the
appropriate code number.
Design departments frequently use hierarchical coding systems for part retrieval because this
type of system is very effective for capturing shape, material, and size information.

1.1 How is it set up?

1.2 .1 Advantages of monocode.

1. With just a few digits, a very large amount of information can be stored.
2. The hierarchical structure allows parts of the code to be used for information at different
levels of abstraction.

3. Used when large amounts of data need to be incorporated in a code.

4. It shortens the length of the code thus useful for storage and retrieval of design related
information such as part geometry.

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1.3.2. Disadvantages of monocode.

1. Impossible to get a good hierarchical structure for most features/groups

2. Different sub-groups may have different levels of sub-subgroups, thereby leading to blank
codes in some positions.

3. A drawback is the complexity of the system.

4. The applicability of these codes in the manufacturing systems is limited, as it is difficult to

cover information on manufacturing sequences in a hierarchical manner.

1.4 Why do we need them?

Classification of parts is the process of categorizing parts into groups, sometimes called
families, according to a set of rules or principles. The objectives are to group together similar
parts and to differentiate among dissimilar parts. Coding of a part is the process of assigning
symbols to the part. These symbols should have meanings that reflect the attributes of the
part, thereby facilitating analysis (information processing). Although this does not sound very
difficult, classification and coding are very complex problems. Several classification and
coding systems have been developed, and many people have tried to improve them. No
system has yet received universal acceptance however, because the information that is to be
represented in the classification and coding system will vary from one company to another.
This seems reasonable if one understands that the two greatest uses of group technology are
for design retrieval and for group (cell) production and that each company has some unique
needs for these functions. Although all of these needs are not unique, enough are to prohibit
the development of a universal system. Therefore, even though classification and coding
systems can be purchased, a good rule of thumb is that 40% of a purchased system must be
tailored to the specific needs of a particular company. One reason that a design engineer
classifies and codes parts is to reduce design effort by identifying similar parts that already
exist. Some of the most significant attributes on which identification can be made are shape,
material and size. If the coding and classification system is to be used successfully in
manufacturing, it must be capable of identifying some additional attributes such as tolerances,
machinability of materials, processes and machine tool requirements.

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 References.
1. CIM Lecture Notes – Chapter 6: Group Technology
2. Dr Richard A. Wysk – Chapter 12: Group Technology
3. John W. Nazemetz, 2000 – Advanced Manufacturing Systems Design, Lecture 5