General Configuration of the Part
The general size and shape of the part is referred by configuration. To avoid misinterpreting the parts size, the scale of drawing should be observed. The scale is usually included in the title block. Size and shape relate themselves to many manufacturing problems, some of which are discussed below.
Handling and Rate of Production
The methods adopted for moving heavy and bulky parts are different from those for small parts. As the workpiece must be moved from operation to operation, the process engineer is naturally concerned with how to take hold of it and how it must be moved. For example, large castings may require special lugs cast on them so that they may be picked up by a crane. In other cases they may be moved on skids or on a heavy duty roller conveyor. In contrast, small lightweight part may be moved by a tote pan, chute or belt conveyor.
The general shape of the workpiece is important in respect of the manner in which it must be handled. For example, coil springs tangle badly when thrown together and cause difficulty when they must be separated. Round and cylindrical parts frequently can be moved by gravity because they roll freely. Rectangular parts or parts with flat surfaces can frequently be slid down chutes.
The size of the workpiece influences its mobility and thus affects its rate of production. It also affects the number of operations which can be combined at one setting of the workpiece. The ease with which the workpiece can be handled probably has more influence on production rate than any other single factor.