Methods of Manufacture.
It is fairly well known that the output of some firms is considerably better than others, although the machines are of the same design. Although a good many factors may contribute to this result, it seems fairly certain that in some cases the methods of manufacture must be superior, which calls for some system of standardizing the broad principles pertaining to manufacturing procedure. Under this arrangement a much better estimate of probable output could be made. It is also necessary by the fact that some firms have been developed through the exigencies of war, and not as a result of any great manufacturing ability, whereas in peace time the spur of competition would force the adoption of the most rapid methods of production. The creation of a central or universal office for the design of the various jigs used in the manufacture of aircraft, with power to decide the process of manufacture, although a somewhat far-reaching reform, would certainly eliminate a number of useless experiments made by the individual constructors, and would also greatly improve the interchangeability of the various components. In addition, fresh firms to the aviation industry would be at once acquainted with the general methods of manufacture, which should be of considerable assistance in expediting initial output. Of course, this system would tend rather to destroy individual initiative, in that much that is now left to the skill and experience of the workman would be predetermined, although this would be more than compensated for by the increased benefits accruing to the State. Jigs designed to produce the same work in different works often differ in detail considerably, and this, of course, often influences the rate of production. As an instance, in some works elaborate benches are considered necessary for the erection of fuselages, while in others a pair of trestles suffices. With this system of unified manufacturing procedure extreme regard would have to be paid, in the design of various jigs and fixtures, to adaptability for modifications in design. Otherwise the various alterations which are bound to occur would result in an unnecessary expenditure on fresh jigs. It is somewhat unfortunate that in the general design of an aeroplane, in numerous cases, far too little regard is paid to considerations of ease of manufacture, and this is frequently responsible for the many changes in design after a contract has been started. Under an ideal system of standardization, the requirements of manufacture would necessitate consideration in the design of the constructional details.