Comments by "mpetersen6" (@mpetersen6) on "TFLclassics" channel.

  1. The Saturn engine components such as blocks and heads were produced on CNC machines instead of the more traditional dedicated transfer line machine tools. The same CNC machine that was machining an engine block could be machining a cylinder head or another part next. They had bar code readers to automatically bring up the required program depending on the bar code on the fixture. The up side is flexibility and not having the entire line down if there is a problem with one section (1). The down sides are higher cutting tool costs due to each machine being required to handle multiple operations. Inspection issues when something is out of tolerance and needs adjustment the problem must be traced to the individual fixture the parts came out of. Another thing about the Saturn blocks and heads. They used a lost foam casting process that had many features such as tapped holes and through holes already cast in the rough condition reducing needed metal removal. 1) Most times each individual section of a transfer line will have parts stockpiled so that if that section is down for a reason production can continue for a certain amount of time.
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  2. If the body is in good shape swap in a different drive train.
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