Introduction to Technology

Chapter 17: Manufacturing in the 21st Century

Chapter Summaries

Section 17.1
In a company organization, the research and development (R&D) department looks at new ideas and creates new products. After the company decides to make a new product, design engineers decide how it will look. After all the testing is finished, the production department decides how to manufacture the product.

Section 17.2
With CNC, machine tools operate by commands from a computer. When computers are programmed to operate all the machinery, CAM is being used. CIM stands for computer-integrated manufacturing. The completed product is inspected by the quality assurance department.

Section 17.3
The marketing department determines how to advertise the product. A wholesaler sells to retailers. Some manufacturers sell directly to consumers on the phone, through the mail, and over the Internet.