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The automated transfer line process is an example of hard, or fixed-position, automation where the production machines are designed to produce a standardized product, such as engine blocks, valves, gears, or spindles.

The entire plant is often designed exclusively to produce the particular product, using special-purpose rather than general-purpose equipment.

Product size and processing parameters such as speed, feed, and depth of cut can be changed. However, these machines are specialized. They can not be modified to any significant extent to accommodate products that have different shapes and dimensions.

To allow changes in the design of the product, the hard automation systems need to be as flexible as possible while retaining the ability to mass-produce. This led to the following developments:

1. The machines are constructed from basic building blocks or modular units that accomplish a function rather than produce a specific part.
2. The production machine modules are combined, by transfer mechanisms, to produce the desired system for making the product.

Transfer mechanisms move the workpiece from one station to another, or from one module to another, to enable various operations to be performed on the part.

It is important not to confuse this process with an assembly line.

Several methods are used to transfer the workpieces:

1. Rails along which the parts, usually placed on pallets, are pushed or pulled by various mechanisms.
2. Rotary indexing tables.
3. Overhead conveyors.

Sensors and other devices are usually used to transfer the parts from one station to another.

Tools on transfer machines can be changed easily. These machines are equipped with various automatic gaging and inspection systems. These systems ensure that the dimensions of a part produced in one station are within the acceptable tolerances before the part is transferred to the next station.