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. FMS can provide
Increased machine utilization
Reduced factory floor space
Greater responsiveness to change
Lower inventory and manufacturing lead
times
Higher labour productivity
7. 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
8. According to the level of flexibility-dedicated FMS
( more specific & less flexible)and random-order
FMS ( generalised and more flexible).
10. WORKSTATIONS
• 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.
1. Load/Unload stations- a physical interface
11. 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.
12. 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
13. 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
