Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) originated in the 1960s, first conceptualized by British engineer David Williamson, and implemented in various countries for efficient material flow control. FMS is characterized by versatile production stations, adaptable to changes in product design, and includes various configurations such as single machine cells, manufacturing cells, and systems. While FMS can enhance efficiency and reduce production costs, it involves significant investment and challenges in determining its suitability for specific manufacturing needs.

1. SUBJECT CODE: 2171903
BE Semester VII

2. Flexible
Manufacturing
System.

3. History.
• The FMS was first conceptualized for
machining, and it
required the prior development of NC.
• This concept is credited to DavidWilliamson,
a British engineer during mid-1960s.
• In late 1960s the first FMS machining system
was installed at Ingersoll company inVirginia.
• Germany implemented its first FMS in 1969,
in cooperation with the university of
Stuttgart.

4. What is FMS ???
• FMS is a manufacturing
philosophy based on the
concept of effectively
controlling material flow
through a network of
versatile production
stations using an efficient
and versatile material
handling and storage
system.
• The FMS is most suited
for the mid-variety,
mid-volume

5. Why FMS ?
• External changes such as change in product
design and production system.
• Optimizing the manufacturing cycle time
• Reduced production costs
• Overcoming internal changes like
breakdowns etc.

6. What makes it flexible???
• Three capabilities that a manufacturing
system must possess to be a flexible.
1.The ability to identify and distinguish
among the different part styles
processed by the system.
2.Quick changeover of operating
instructions, and
3.Quick changeover of physical setup.

7. Classification of FMS…
• Flexible manufacturing systems can be
distinguished according to the number of
machines in the system. The following are
typical categories:
Single machine cell
Flexible manufacturing cell
Flexible manufacturing system
Flexible manufacturing line

8. Single Machine Cell (SMC)
• A single machine cell consists of one CNC
machining center combined with a parts storage
system for unattended operation.
• Completed parts are periodically unloaded from
the parts storage unit, and raw work parts are
loaded into it

9. Flexible Manufacturing Cell
(FMC)
• A flexible manufacturing cell consists
of two or three processing
workstations (typically CNC machining
centers) plus a part handling system.
• The part handling system is connected
to a load/unload station.

10. Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
• A flexible manufacturing system has four
or more processing workstations
connected mechanically by a common
part handling system and electronically
by a distributed computer system.

11. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of the
three categories of flexible manufacturing cells
and systems are summarized in figure below

12. 1. Workstations
2. Automated Material Handling and Storage systems
3. Computer Control System
Basic components of FMS
4. Human Resources

13. Workstation
• Following are the types of workstations typically found in an FMS:
1. Load/Unload Stations.
2. Machining Stations.
3. Other processing Stations.
4. Assembly Station.
5. Other Stations and Equipment.

14. Material handling system
Functions
1.Independent movement of workparts between stations.
2.Handle a variety of workpart configurations.
Temporary storage.
3.Convenient access for loading and unloading
workparts.
4.Compatible with computer control.

15. Material handling system

16. Secondary handling system consists of transfer devices, automatic
pallet changing, and similar mechanisms located at the workstations in
the FMS.
• The function of the secondary handling system is to transfer work
from the primary system to the machine tool or other processing
station and to position the parts with sufficient accuracy and
repeatability to perform the process or assembly operation.
Material Handling Equipment
• Primary handling system establishes the basic layout of the FMS and is
responsible for moving workparts between stations in the system.
(Conveyor)

17. Computer control
Programmable logic Controller
• The FMS includes a distributed computer system that is interfaced to
 the workstations,
 Material handling system, and
 Other hardware components.
• A typical FMS computer system consists of
a central computer and microcomputers.
• Microcomputers controlling the individual
machines and other components.
• The central computer coordinates the activities of the components to
achieve smooth overall operation of the system

18. Computer control
Programmable logic Controller

19. Human Resources
• Human are needed to manage the operations of the FMS. Functions
typically performed by human includes:
 Loading raw workparts into the system,
 Unloading finished parts (or assemblies) from the system,
 Changing and setting tools,
 Equipment maintenance and repair, and
 Programming and operation the computer system.

20. Layouts of FMS
• Progressive or LineType
• LoopType
• LadderType
• Open field type
• Robot centered type

21. 1.Progressive Layout
2. Loop Layout

22. 3.Ladder Type Layout 4.Open
Field Layout

23. 5. Robot Centered Layout

25. Application of FMS
• Metal-cutting machining
• Metal forming
• Assembly
• Joining-welding (arc , spot), gluing
• Surface treatment
• Inspection
• Testing

26. Advantages of FMS
• 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

27. Disadvantages of
FMS
• Expensive.
• Substantial pre-planning activity.

28. Challenges with
FMS
• Determining if FMS the best production
system for your company
• Possible expansion costs associated with
implementing FMS

29. Conclusion
• FMS is a revolution in the field of
ManufacturingTechnology.
• FMS can be designed to meet the
specific demand of each company
• FMS is used for multitask operation.
• FMS requires substantial investment of
time and resources.

30. Thank
you…