The flow chart shows the steps in the manufacturing process for matches, from raw materials to further processing and finally packaging. Each stage is illustrated with an image and labels describing the image. Arrows are used to show the progression from one stage to the next. The nine stages of this process can best be understood as constituting three separate phases of production.
In the first phase, raw materials are processed in three stages. The raw material, wood veneer, is first cut from logs and then cut into the right shape using a chopper. Next, the cut shapes are treated in an ammonium phosphate tank.
In the second phase, treated cut shapes are further processed. This begins with them being dried and dropped into a hopper. They are next moved through a metal duct using air from a blower to a storage area. Subsequently, they pass through a funnel to the final phases of production.
In the final phase, the matches are completed and packaged. First, an inserter is used to insert matches onto a perforated steel belt which takes them through three chemical processes using paraffin wax, base chemicals and tip chemicals. Finally, the steel belt conveys the finished matches through a drying area and into the packaging area.