The Component-Parts Bottleneck in a Peacetime Production Profile

Although the title is addressed to peacetime conditions, it is pointed out that the possibility of mobilization for war effort, needs to be considered, at least as a background for decisions. It is indicated that mechanization in the component-parts industry is not new, having had substantial beginnings 20 years ago. The author states, although there are in operation ceramic capacitor assembly machines, capable of producing a minimum of 5000 completed capacitors per hour, that general mechanization of the component-parts industry is almost economically impossible. An analysis of production records shows that 75% of all orders are for less than 100 pieces, that 25 to 40 thousand different capacitors are manufactured each month and that 80 to lO0 new designs or variations are created each week, at Aerovox. It is stressed that the multiplicity of types and ratings makes it impossible to speed deliveries, maintain a sizable stock, or implement a general automation program. Materials are pictured as not being a bottleneck item on the standard parts level; but on the other hand, that special materials are badly needed to meet the extended environmental and operational conditions forced upon the industry by new weapon requirements. A step-up in the Military preferred parts activities is recommended as a move to drastically reduce the number of standard parts. Some concern is voiced regarding the controversial Aircraft Industry practice of commissioning small suppliers to design and build "specialty items". It is charged that the practice creates still more items purchased from sources where automation is even less practicable, and that reduces reliability through the sponsorship of a handassembly atmosphere.