Interchangeable parts
concept · 1800 · Industrial Revolution
Parts of one type are identical and fit any product.
Principles and materials it uses
- Machine tool — uses. Identical parts can only be made on precise machine tools.
- Micrometer — uses. Precise measurement ensures interchangeability.
Where it is used
- Assembly line — is used in. Flow production is only possible with interchangeable parts.
- Cotton gin — is used in. Whitney was one of the promoters of interchangeable parts.
- LEGO bricks — is used in. Any brick fits any other.
- Revolver — is used in. Colt used machine production of interchangeable parts.
- Prefabrication — is used in. Standard elements.
- Metal construction set — is used in. Standard parts.
Things built in a similar way
- Movable type — works like. Movable type is an early case of interchangeable parts: identical letters move from line to line.