EFFECTS OF RACE-MATCHING METHOD FOR BALL-BEARING MANUFACTURE

This paper deals with the behavior of a machining-assembly automatic t ransfer line system operating under a race-matching method to produce high-quality ball bearings. A race-matching method is a method in whic h an outer race and balls are selected according to the machining accu racy of an inner race. This method complicates part flow and causes st agnation. Analyzing the part flow, we investigate the effect of applyi ng a race-matching method, and investigate the effects of machining ac curacy and buffer capacity on the production rate and the consumption rate ratio of parts supplied from the outside.