MICRO-MOTION STUDY

MICRO-MOTION STUDY:
• It is a technique for recording and timing an activity.
• It consists of taking motion pictures of the operation with a clock in the picture (or with a video
camera running at a known speed).
• The film is a permanent record of the method and the time and is always ready to be examined
when needed.
Purposes of Micro-Motion Study:
• To assist in finding the preferred method of doing the work.
• To assist in training the workers to understand the meaning of motion study and to enable them to
apply motion economy principles in a professional way.
Micro-Motion study as an Aid in Improving Methods:
The procedure of making a micro-motion study consists of:
1. Filming the operation to be studied.
2. Analyzing the film.
3. Charting the results of the analysis.
4. Developing the improved method.
• The speed of the camera used ranges from 960 to 1000 frames per minute. But faster cameras may
be used to study very fast hand motions or complex operations.
• The pictures should be enlarged many times to facilitate the analysis of the motions.
• Micro-Motion study should be used when it is economical to do so (short cycle highly repetitive
operations, large volume production, or operation performed by a large number of workers).
Memo-motion Study:
In memo-motion study, the camera speed is at 60 or 100 frames per minute.
In addition to its use in industrial operations, it is used to study many other operations such as check-in
operations as airline counters, the manner in which customers select items in the store, traffic flow on
highways, and in banks.
It costs less than micro-motion study (only costs 6% of the cost of a micro-motion study. Cyclograph and
Chrono-cyclograph Analysis
Fundamental Hand Motions:
17 basic motions called therbligs (Gilbreth spelled backward).
• Search (Sh):
When the eyes or the hands are hunting (searching) for the object. It begins when the eyes or hands
begin to search for the object and ends when the object is found.
• Select (St):
Choosing one object from several objects. Usually search and select are combined into one motion
which is select. It begins when the eyes or the hands start to search and ends when the desired
object is located.
• Grasp (G):
Taking hold of an object, closing the fingers around it before picking it up, holding it or manipulating
it. It begins when the hand or fingers make contact with the object and ends when the hand has
obtained control of it.
• Transport Empty (TE):
Moving the empty hand in reaching for the object. It begins when the hand begins to move without
load or resistance and ends w hen the hand stops moving.
• Transport Loaded (TL):
Moving the object from one location to another. The object may be carried by hands or fingers or
may be moved by sliding or pushing. It begins when the hand begins to move the object and ends
when the hand s tops moving.
• Hold (H):
Retention of an object after it has been grasped without any movement. It begins when the
movement o the object stops and ends with the start of the next therblig.
• Release Load (RL):
Letting go of the object. It begins when the object starts to leave the hand and ends when the object
is completely separated from the hand or fingers.
• Position (P):
Turning an object to prepare for fitting into location. Position may occur during transport loaded.
Position begins when the hand starts to turn the object and ends when the object is properly
oriented and placed in the desired position.
• Pre-Position (PP):
The same as position except that the object is located in an approximate position making it ready for
the next motion.
• Inspect (I):
Examining an object for a specific standard. It begins when the eyes or other parts of the body begin
to examine the object and ends when the examination is completed.
• Assemble (A):
Placing one object into or on another object so that they become an integral part. It begins when the
hand starts to move the part into its place in the assembly and ends when the hand has completed
the assembly.
• Disassemble (DA):
Separating one object from another. It begins when the hand starts to separate or remove the object
from the assembly and ends when the assembly has been separated.
• Use (U):
Manipulating a tool, device for the purpose for which it was intended. It begins when the hand starts
to manipulate the tool and ends when the hand stops the application.
• Unavoidable delay (UD):
A delay beyond the control of the operator. It begins when the hand stops its activity and ends when
the activity is resumed.
• Avoidable delay (AD):
A delay of the operator for which he is responsible for.
• Plan (Pn):
A mental reaction which precedes the physical movement. It begins at the point where the operator
begins to think about the next step of the operation and ends when the procedure to be followed
has been decided.
• Rest for overcoming fatigue (R):
A delay factor or allowance provided to permit the worker to recover from the fatigue incurred by
work. It begins when the worker stops working and ends when the work is resumed.
THERBLIGS:
Pin Board-Old Method
Pin Board-New Method
Therbligs Pin Board 1
Therbligs Pin Board 2
SIMO CHARTS:
• The time for each therblig recorded on the analysis sheet may be shown to scale by means of a
simultaneous motion - Cycle Chart (Simo Chart).
• Simo Chart – Bolt & Washer Assembly Old Method. (P. 147)
• Simo Chart – Bolt & Washer Assembly New Method. (P. 148)
MAKING THE MOTION PICTURES:
• Performed for analyzing the motions of workers performing manual tasks.
• Motion study is facilitated by the use of photographic and electronic data recording aids.
• Micro-Motion study requires the above equipment.
• Most important pieces are the motion picture camera (uses photographic film) and the video camera
(uses magnetic tape) and recorder.
MOTION STUDY EQUIPMENT LIST:
• Motion Picture Camera.
• Tripod.
• Exposure Meter (To indicate how many frames have been shut).
• Lamps with Reflectors & Tripods.
• Micro-Chronometer.
• Motion Picture Projector & Portable Screen for Film Analysis.
• Storage Facility.
• Editing Tools.
MAKING THE MOTION PICTURES:
Why do we make them?
Motion pictures are made for many reasons such as:
• For motion, micro-motion, and memo-motion study and research.
• For obtaining work sampling data.
• For training purposes.
• For demonstrating the current method of doing the job.
• For performance rating in time study and work sampling.
PROCEDURE FOR MAKING MOTION PICTURES:
1. Cooperation of operators and supervisors should be secured.
2. Check power supply availability.
3. Choose the best location for the camera and lights.
4. Make sure that the micro-chronometer and the identification card are inside the picture.
5. Provide the required films.
6. Adjust the camera (focus, zoom, height).
7. Fill in the motion picture data sheet.
8. Make the pictures (start filming)