Batch Production

Published on Apr 02, 2024

Abstract

Batch production is used to produce or process any product in groups that are called batches, as opposed to a continuous production process, or a one-time production. An example of batch production can be found in a bakery.

The products, for example bread, are made in batches of however many will fit in the baker's oven at a time. When that batch is made, the baker will start the process again with a new batch. Batch production techniques are used in the manufacture of specialty chemicals such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, inks, paints and adhesives.

Overview

In the manufacture of inks and paints, a technique called a colour-run is used. A colour-run is where one manufactures the lightest color first, such as light yellow followed by the next increasingly darker colour such as orange, then red and so on until reaching black and then they start over again. This minimizes the cleanup and reconfiguring of the machinery between each batch. White (by which is meant opaque paint, not transparent ink) is the only colour that cannot be used in a colour run due to the fact that a small amount of white pigment can adversely affect the medium colours.

There are inefficiencies associated with batch production. The production equipment must be stopped, re-configured, and its output tested before the next batch can be produced.

Time between batches is known as 'Down Time' where the factory would make seasonal items or consumables such as toasters where no one can predict the quantity needed.