What is FMS?
Types of Flexibility
Types of FMS
FMS Components
Workstations
Material Handling and Storage Systems
Computer Control System
Human Recourses
FMS Layout
Applications
Benefits
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
• What is FMS?
• Types of Flexibility
• Types of FMS
• FMS Components
• Workstations
• Material Handling and Storage Systems
• Computer Control System
• Human Recourses
• FMS Layout
4. WHAT IS FMS?
• A flexible manufacturing system is a automated
machine cell, consisting of a group of processing
workstations, interconnected with automated material
handling and storage system.
• The FMS is most suited for the mid-variety, mid-
volume production range.
5. TYPES OF FLEXIBILITY
• Flexibility of product variety
• Flexibility of production volume
• Flexibility of delivery time
• Flexibility of material handling
• Flexibility of operations
• Flexibility of expansion
• Flexibility of market
6. TYPES OF FMS
• Single machine cell - One CNC machining center
combined with a parts storage system for unattended
operation.
• Flexible manufacturing cell - Consists of two or three
processing stations plus a parts handling system
connected to a load/unload station.
• Flexible manufacturing system - Four or more
processing workstations connected mechanically by a
common parts handling system and electronically by
a distributed computer system.
7. FMS COMPONENTS
• The basic components of a flexible manufacturing
system are,
1. workstations
2. material handling and storage system
3. computer control system
4. human resources
8.
9. WORKSTATIONS
• Load/unload stations
• Machining stations
• Other processing stations (punching, shearing,
welding etc.)
• Assembly stations
• Other stations and equipment (inspection, vision etc.)
10. MATERIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE
SYSTEMS
• It is used for…
random and independent movement of work parts
between workstations
handling of a variety of work part configuration
temporary storage
• Examples of this is,
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)
11. COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM
• The FMS includes a distributed computer system that
is interfaced to …
the workstations,
Material handling system
Other hardware components
12. HUMAN RESOURCES
• Human are needed to manage the operations of the
FMS.
• Functions typically performed by human includes:
Loading raw work parts into the system,
Unloading finished parts (or assemblies) from the
system,
Changing and setting tools,
Equipment maintenance and repair,
NC part programming in a machining system etc.
13. FMS LAYOUTS
• In-line layout
• Loop layout
• Ladder layout
• Open field layout
• Robot centered cell
15. BENEFITS
• To reduce set up and queue times
• Improve efficiency
• Reduce time for product completion
• Utilize human workers better
• Improve product routing
• Produce a variety of items under one roof
• Improve product quality
• Serve a variety of vendors simultaneously
• Produce more product more quickly