A man is checking his watch by a window in the old town of Barcelona, Spain. His dog is already sleeping by his feet.
Measured in Seconds
A window.
Old stone.
A man measuring time against the city.
Light slices across his wrist as he checks the hour.
Shutter quick enough to trap the gesture.
Aperture open just enough to let the world blur behind him.
No flash.
Just Barcelona breathing through glass.
Sometimes the most technical choice is the simplest one.
Trust the light. Trust the moment.
In addition to manufacturing, some plastic injection molders also provide assembly services. While there are many different types of product assemblies, there are some basic approaches towards determining what the process will entail. One of those approaches is referred to as a time and motion study.
For our purposes here, a time and motion study is a technique used to analyze both the duration each step in a manufacturing process will take coupled with the mechanical and manual labor involved to complete each task. By describing and studying an entire assembly procedure and each incremental step within it, a company is able to design, map, plan, budget, schedule, and standardize its processes effectively. Additionally, the more thorough the study is, the more accurately the quoting of the assembly services should be. Further, once an assembly process is established, periodic analyses can identify areas of improvement, which may include time efficiencies, the elimination of wasted motion, automating certain tasks, and an increase in the overall effectiveness of the system.
When conducting a time and motion study in the plastic injection molding context, the same general methodology is taken, while factoring in certain considerations unique to the industry. Regardless of the type of assembly required, one of the first steps in the analysis probably will include a determination of whether the assembly can be performed at some point during the production process and, if so, at what stage and location within the facilities the work can be conducted in the most efficient and effective manner.
Next, the supplier might work on the sequencing of the manufacturing and assembly processes. This calculation can be fairly simple, or it might require more complexity. For example, if the assembly a molder is performing only includes combining two different parts they are producing, the review might include which part to manufacture first; how to stage finished parts by the molding machine producing the second parts; what the method of affixing the two parts together entails (e.g., gluing); what equipment, tools and fixtures are required; what the estimated molding cycle time for the second part will be; any cooling or curing time needed for the either part; any necessary surface prep work; what movements will be involved in the actual bonding; any finishing work, labeling or cleaning required; what inspections are specified; and how to package the final assembly. And, that’s just a simple process! A more complex assembly procedure can involve multiple components, numerous steps, and the need for outside vendors.
Two obvious benefits to having your molder perform some or all of your product’s assembly is that it often is faster and cheaper than sending the molded parts, along with other items, to an outside assembly services vendor. Having parts and components combined by molding machine operators, who might be handling the parts as they are produced anyway, can eliminate unnecessary steps, such as additional packaging and shipping. This usually translates into lower costs and shorter lead times.
Product assembly can be a complex procedure involving multiple items, equipment and processes. As such, performing a thorough time and motion study at the beginning of a program launch can provide valuable perspective and expectations, in addition to discovering cost savings and lead time reductions. Accordingly, any accurate estimating of assembly services should employ this practice.
If you have parts being manufactured by a plastic injection molding supplier, be sure to inquire about any assembly services they might offer and how they arrive at their figures. You might be pleasantly surprised that the review of time and motion often translates into less time and money.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
Projection: Vanishing and Becoming I really enjoy how this reading draws a direct line between a projection vanishing and becoming. It implies that a projection is both vanishing and becoming at the same time. I also really enjoy reading about the progress of art in terms of projection. I agree with the reading, that art has been used to create an impact that has a meaning larger than yourself, creating immortal meanings and therefore an immortal self. One thing in the reading however, that I did not connect with was the distinction of subject matter. It stated that in order for it to be a projection the actual subject matter must be absent. Personally, I think that the projection is still the subject matter, no matter how much it is distorted or abstract. I think the essence of the subject matter is the projection that you see, however, that same essence is what you would receive if the subject was shown or if you were in person. Time and Motion Time and motion in art are extremely important. The give extra dimensions to the understanding of any given artwork. I think that motion in art always will imply time. The motion, whether it be actual or implied, helps give the work a sense of movement and direction. As an artist thinking about the movement of a piece, the way something moves can really affect how the audience perceives the piece. The meaning would change whether it moved naturally, mechanically, or by the audience/artist. Likewise, I think time will always imply motion as well. However, I think that time, in art, can also represent the absence of motion. Time, being actual or implied, has the same impact on art as does motion. Again, when an artists is thinking of the time in a piece, how they choose to represent that is also very important to the meaning. The repetition of a segment of time or even the evolution of time and it's affect on the art can change the meaning very easily.
4-D art is a part of our every day life and it is constantly changing and developing. As a society we are desiring technology to be faster and faster, and as the younger generations grow up with this they will only be interested in and expect advertisements, technology, etc.. to be fast. Our pace in life has changed and art is following along.
My favorite part of this chapter is (pic 6-13 on page 127) the film Fashionably Late for the Relationship by R. Luke DuBois and performance artist Lián Amaris Sifuentes. Here is a quote that explains it “In the film, the people who passed by or stopped to see the live performance appear as if they are moving very quickly as ghostly blurs, while Sifuentes no longer is moving slowly but at what seems to be a normal pace.” (watch here: https://vimeo.com/lukedubois/fash )
I think that this is an exceptional way to play with time as a filmmaker. I was intrigued by the above quote so I looked up the film and practically watched the whole film. I really enjoy this type of manipulation of time and perception. I have always thought a lot about time and how the camera only captures a small snapshot of life, but there are many other examples this chapter gives however, this mix of performance and film definitely grabs my attention above all the others.
A patriarch who enjoyed to have his family around him. Someone who was well established financially and was rather conservative, taking part in traditions.
2. What do I need to know? 7 of wands
A positive change is coming either in your personal or business life. Do not hesitate to make yourself clear to others; be independent and think for yourself. You have what it takes to make your goals happen but be logical about it.
3. What actions do I need to take? Ace of cups
Analyze your life and see where you could bring in more love energy. Not necessarily romantic, but self-love, generosity, forgiving someone, etc. Build peace and love, embrace it, and allow it to guide you.
4. How shall I honor my ancestors? 7 of swords
Honor your ancestors alone, one on one, without the guidance of someone else. Others may not have the best advice or may have ulterior motives, so it’s best to connect spiritually with your ancestors independently. Meditate to hear their voices and let them guide you. You don’t need anyone else between them and you.
5. What blessings or message do you have for me? The Magician
Blessings of knowledge, strength, and inspiration. You have the power to make a difference in both your life and the world around you, you only need to try. Take time to stop and notice all of the synchronicities around you because things are happening for a reason. If your work is in a creative field, then now is the time to step forward with ideas because others will be receptive and understanding which will lead you to bigger and better things.
