Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are highly automated cells consisting of CNC machine tools interconnected by an automated material handling and storage system controlled by a distributed computer system. FMS integrates flexible automation, CNC machines, computer control, automated material handling and storage, and group technology. FMS is introduced for mid-volume or mid-variety production and when parts can be grouped into families. Flexibility in FMS involves the ability to identify and process different part styles, quickly change over operating instructions and physical setup. FMS provides benefits like increased machine utilization, reduced space, and higher productivity.

1. HARSHA U
NIT TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING
SYSTEMS (FMS)

2.  Flexible Manufacturing System is a highly
automated GT machine cell, consisting of a group
of CNC machine tools, interconnected by an
automated material handling & storage system
controlled using a distributed computer system.

3.  FMS integrates many concepts and technologies like
flexible automation, CNC machines, distributed
computer control, automated material handling &
storage and group technology.
 FMS is introduced in situations like
1. Plants which produce batch products or uses manned
GT cells and are willing to automate.
2. If the parts to be made can be grouped into part
families (parts of a common product or that posses
similar geometries).

4. 3. Mid-volume or mid-variety production range.
For low volume production, FMS is an expensive
alternative and if the production volume is high, a more
specialised production system will be useful.

5. FLEXIBILITY
 Flexibility can be considered as an attribute which
involves
1. The ability to identify and distinguish among the
different incoming part or product styles
processed in the system.
2. Quick changeover of operating instructions.
3. Quick changeover of physical setup.

6.  It is understood using 4 tests
1. Part variety test
2. Schedule change test
3. Error recovery test
4. New part test

7. FMS can provide
 Increased machine utilization
 Reduced factory floor space
 Greater responsiveness to change
 Lower inventory and manufacturing lead times
 Higher labour productivity

8. TYPES OF FMS
 According to the kind of operations they perform-
processing operation and assembly operations
 According to the geometry of parts produced-
rotational or non rotational.
 According to the number of machines used-
1. Single machine cell-only 1 machine
2. Flexible manufacturing cell- 2 or 3 CNC machines
3. Flexible manufacturing system- 4 or more
machines

9.  According to the level of flexibility-dedicated FMS
( more specific & less flexible)and random-order
FMS ( generalised and more flexible).

10. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1. Workstations
2. Material Handling and storage system
3. Computer control system
4. Human Resources

11. WORKSTATIONS
1. Load/Unload stations- a physical interface
between the FMS and rest of the factory. The
parts are loaded or unloaded from material
handling equipment to the FMS.
2. Machining stations- Both CNC machining and
turning centers are used for machining required
parts.
3. Other stations and equipment- Other functions
like inspection is also carried out using CMM.
4. Assembly- robots are employed for assembly
operations.

12. MATERIAL HANDLING AND
STORAGE SYSTEM
 Stores and transfers parts between different
workstations.
 Primary handling system- consist of basic layout
of FMS and moves parts between the
workstation.
 Secondary handling system- transfers work from
primary system and position it correctly on the
workstations.

13. COMPUTER CONTROL
SYSTEM
 Functions of computer control system are:
1. Workstation control
2. Distribution of control instructions to
workstations
3. Production Control
4. Traffic Control
5. Shuttle control
6. Workpiece monitoring
7. Tool control

14. HUMAN RESOURCES
 Functions carried out by humans include
1. Loading of raw materials and unloading of
finished parts
2. Equipment maintenance and repair
3. Performing NC part programming
4. Total management of the system

15. APPLICATIONS
1. Machining applications
2. Assembly of equipment
3. Semiconductor component manufacturing
4. Plastic Injection Moulding
5. Sheet Metal Fabrication
6. Textile Machinery Manufacturing

16. THANK YOU