A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) is an automated machine cell with interconnected processing workstations optimized for mid-variety, mid-volume production. Key components include workstations, material handling systems, and computer control, while offering various flexibilities in product variety, volume, and delivery time. FMS applications span metal machining, assembly, and surface treatment, yielding benefits like reduced setup times, improved efficiency, and enhanced product quality.

1. Flexible Manufacturing System
Prepared By: Dhaval Chauhan
Guided By: Prof. B. K. Chavda

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

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Applications
• Benefits

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

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

14. APPLICATIONS
• Metal-cutting machining
• Metal forming
• Assembly
• Joining-welding (arc, spot)
• Surface treatment
• Inspection
• Testing

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