// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
High-Mix Low-Volume
A manufacturing environment characterized by producing a wide variety of different products, but in small quantities for each.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) describes a manufacturing strategy focused on producing a diverse range of products in small batch sizes, requiring flexible production systems, rapid changeovers, and often custom engineering to meet varied customer specifications.
BACKGROUND
In industrial process engineering, mixing is a unit operation that involves manipulation of a heterogeneous physical system with the intent to make it more homogeneous. Familiar examples include pumping of the water in a swimming pool to homogenize the water temperature, and the stirring of pancake batter to eliminate lumps (deagglomeration).
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Custom manufacturing
- job shop
- varied production
- low volume high variety
USAGE NOTE
HMLV environments often face challenges with setup times, inventory management, and process complexity.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to High-Mix Low-Volume.
A leader in collaborative robots (cobots), which are ideal for high-mix low-volume manufacturing due to their flexibility, ease of programming, and ability to work alongside humans, enabling rapid retooling and adaptation for varied production tasks.
Offers a comprehensive portfolio of software (PLM, MES, MOM) and automation solutions, including digital twin technology, that enable manufacturers to optimize complex high-mix low-volume production by simulating, planning, and executing agile manufacturing processes.
Provides a modular platform for designing, automating, and deploying custom industrial equipment and automation cells. This enables manufacturers to quickly create tailored solutions for specific high-mix low-volume production needs without extensive engineering lead times.
Develops industrial and collaborative robots, along with flexible manufacturing cells and solutions, designed to handle diverse product mixes and low batch sizes. Their adaptable systems support efficient changeovers and varied production processes critical for HMLV.
Offers 3D design software, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and virtual manufacturing solutions (e.g., DELMIA) that allow companies to virtually plan, simulate, and optimize entire production lines, facilitating agile response to high-mix low-volume demands and rapid product changes.
A global manufacturer of industrial robots and automation solutions. KUKA provides flexible robotics and integrated systems that are capable of handling diverse tasks and frequent product changeovers, supporting the adaptable production needs of high-mix low-volume environments.
Specializes in flexible automation solutions, including modular conveyors and production flow systems. Their technology is designed to create adaptable manufacturing layouts that can easily accommodate varying product types and volumes, crucial for HMLV efficiency.
Provides advanced industrial automation systems and robotics, including solutions for flexible and adaptive manufacturing. Comau focuses on creating highly configurable production lines that can quickly shift between different products and processes, essential for high-mix low-volume production.