Interchangeable parts
Interchangeable parts are parts (components) that are, for practical purposes, identical. They
are made to specifications that ensure that they are so nearly identical that they will fit into any
assembly of the same type. One such part can freely replace another, without any custom fitting
(such as filing). This interchangeability allows easy assembly of new devices, and easier repair
of existing devices, while minimizing both the time and skill required of the person doing the
assembly or repair.
Ford assembly line, 1913. The magneto was the first to be assembled.
The concept of interchangeability was crucial to the introduction of the assembly line at the
beginning of the 20th century, and has become an important element of some modern
manufacturing but is missing from other important industries.
Interchangeability of parts was achieved by combining a number of innovations and
improvements in machining operations and the invention of several machine tools, such as the
slide rest lathe, screw-cutting lathe, turret lathe, milling machine and metal planer. Additional
innovations included jigs for guiding the machine tools, fixtures for holding the workpiece in the
proper position, and blocks and gauges to check the accuracy of the finished parts.[1]
Electrification allowed individual machine tools to be powered by electric motors, eliminating
line shaft drives from steam engines or water power and allowing higher speeds, making modern
large scale manufacturing possible.[2] Modern machine tools often have numerical control (NC)
which evolved into CNC (computerized numeric control) when microprocessors became
available.
Methods for industrial production of interchangeable parts in the United States were first
developed in the nineteenth century. The term American system of manufacturing was sometimes
applied to them at the time, in distinction from earlier methods. Within a few decades such
methods were in use in various countries, so American system is now a term of historical
reference rather than current industrial nomenclature.
In the US, Eli Whitney saw the potential benefit of developing "interchangeable parts" for the
firearms of the United States military. In July 1801 he built ten guns, all containing the same
exact parts and mechanisms, then disassembled them before the United States Congress. He
placed the parts in a mixed pile and, with help, reassembled all of the firearms right in front of
Congress, much like Blanc had done some years before.[6]
The Congress was captivated and ordered a standard for all United States equipment.
Interchangeable parts removed problems concerning the inability to consistently produce new
parts for old equipment without significant hand finishing that had plagued the era of unique
firearms and equipment. If one firearm part failed, another could be ordered, and the firearm
wouldn't have to be discarded. The catch was that Whitney's guns were costly and handmade
by skilled workmen.
Whitney was never able to design a manufacturing process capable of producing guns with
interchangeable parts. Charles Fitch credited Whitney with successfully executing a firearms
contract with interchangeable parts using the American System,[4] but historians Merritt Roe
Smith and Robert B. Gordon have since determined that Whitney never achieved
interchangeable parts manufacturing. His family's arms company, however, did so after his
death.