Group

Technology
 Chapter: 5 Group Technology

Group Technology: (GT) is a manufacturing

philosophy in which similar parts are
identified and grouped together to take
advantage of their similarities in
manufacturing and design. Similar parts are
arranged into part families.

For example: A plant producing 10,000

different part numbers may be able to group
the vast majority of these parts into 50 or 60
distinct families.
Chapter: 5
 Chapter: 5

Part family:
A Part family is a collection of parts
which are similar either because of
geometric shape & size or because similar
processing steps are required in their
manufacture.
 Chapter: 5

Parts Classification & Coding.

This method of grouping parts into
families involves an examination of the
individual design and/or manufacturing
attributes of each part. The attributes of the
part are uniquely identified by means of a code
number.
 Parts Classification

Part Part Part Design &

Design Manufacturing Manufacturing
Attributes Attributes Attributes

Major process
Basic external Shape Minor Process
Basic internal Shape Major Dimensions
Length/Dia ratio Length/diameter
Material type ratio Surface finish
Part Function Machine Tool
Major Dimensions Operation
Minor Dimensions Sequence
Tolerances Production time
Surface Finish Batch Size
Annual
Production
Fixtures Needed
Cutting Tools
Chapter: 5
 Chapter: 5

Coding System Structure

Hierarchical structure

Chain type Structure

Hybrid Structure
 Methods of part family
classification
• Visual inspection
• Production Flow Analysis(PFA)
• Parts classification and coding
system
 Chapter: 5

Hierarchical Structure: (monocode)

With the Hierarchical Structure, the
interpretation of each succeeding symbol
depends on the value of the preceding symbols

Chain type Structure: (polycode)

In the chain type structure, the
interpretation of each symbol in the sequence
is fixed and does not depend on the value of
preceding digits.
 Chapter: 5

Hybrid Structure:
Hybrid structure is an attempt to achieve the
best features of mononcodes & polycodes.
Chapter: 5
 Chapter: 5 Three parts Classification and Coding Systems

Objective:
The prospective user should first define the
objective for the system. It will be used for
design retrieval or part family manufacturing or
both
 Chapter: 5

Scope and Application:

1. What departments in the company will use the
system?
2. What specific requirements do these departments
have?
3. What kind of information must be coded?
4. How wide a range of products must be coded?
5. How complex are the parts, shapes, processes,
tooling and so forth?
 Chapter: 5

Costs and time:

1. Costs of installation, training and maintenance for
their parts classification and coding system.
2. Will there be a consulting fees.
3. How much time will be required to install the
system and train the staff to operate and maintain
it?
4. How long will it be before the benefits of the
system are realized?
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Adaptability to other systems:

1. Can the classification and coding systems be
readily adapted to the existing company computer
system.
2. Can it be readily be integrated with other existing
company procedures (process planning, NC
programming and production scheduling)
 Chapter: 5

Management Problems:
1. Will there be any problems with the union
2. Will cooperation and support for the system be
obtained from the various departments involved.
 Chapter: 5 Benefits of Group Technology

The benefits of group technology are realized in the

following areas.
1. Product Design
2. Tooling and Setup’s
3. Material Handling
4. Production and inventory control
5. Employee satisfaction
6. Process planning procedures.