The document provides an overview of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), highlighting its key components like workstations, material handling, and computer control systems. It outlines various classifications, advantages such as increased machine utilization and flexibility, as well as limitations like high initial and maintenance costs. The application of FMS is also discussed, indicating its suitability for mid-variety, mid-volume production scenarios.

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akhtar kamal 2
FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING
SYSTEM
By: Akhtar Kamal

3. Flexible Manufacturing System
• Introduction
• Elements of F.M.S.
• Objective of F.M.S.
• Classification of F.M.S.
• F.M.S. layout
• Advantages & Limitation
• Application
• Manufacturing Flexibility
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4. Introduction to Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
• A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a highly automated
Group Technology machine cell, consisting of a group or
processing workstations (usually CNC machine tools),
interconnected by an automated material handling and
storage system, and controlled by a distributed computer
system.
• The reason the FMS is called flexible is that it is capable of
processing a variety of different part styles simultaneously
at the various workstations, and the mix of part styles and
quantities of production can be adjusted in response to
changing demand patterns.
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5. The FMS is most suited for the mid-variety, mid-volume
production range.
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6. Components of FMS
• There are several basic components of an FMS:
1. Workstations.
2. Material handling and storage systems.
3. Computer control system.
4. People are required to manage and operate the
system.
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7. 1.Workstations
• Following are the types of workstations typically
found in an FMS:
1. Load/Unload Stations.
2. Machining Stations.
3. Other processing Stations. (punching, shearing,
welding, etc.)
4. Assembly Station.
5. Other Stations and Equipment. (Inspection, Vision,
etc)
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8. 2.Material Handling and Storage System
• Functions of the Handling System
1. Independent movement of work parts between stations.
2. Handle a variety of work part configurations.
3. Temporary storage.
4. Convenient access for loading and unloading work parts.
5. Compatible with computer control.
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9. 3.Computer Control System
• The FMS includes a distributed computer system that is
interfaced to …
 the workstations,
 Material handling system, and
 Other hardware components.
• 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, and
 Programming and operation the computer system.
4.Human Resources
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10. FMS
Based on No.
of machine
Flexible
manufacturing
Module(FMM)
Flexible
manufacturing
Cell(FMC)
Flexible
manufacturing
System(FMS)
Based on
Flexibility of
system
Dedicated OR
Special FMS
Random Order
FMS
Based on Types
of Layout
Inline Layout
Type FMS
Rotary Layout
Type FMS
Loop Layout
Type FMS
Rectangular
Layout Type
FMS
Ladder Layout
Type FMS
Classification of FMS
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11. Flexible manufacturing Module(FMM)
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12. Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC)
• A flexible manufacturing cell consists of two or three processing workstations
(typically CNC machining centers) plus a material handling system.
• The material handling system is connected to a load/unload station.
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13. Flexible manufacturing System(FMS)
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14. Inline Layout Type FMS
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15. Ladder type layout
 “Ladder type layout consists with no. of workstations are located.
 This reduces the average travel distance thereby reducing the transfer time
between workstations.
 Arrangement of this layout is shown in fig.
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16. Loop Layout Type FMS
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17. Thank You
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18. Advantages of flexible manufacturing
systems
1. Increased machine utilization
2.Lesser number of machines required
3.Reduction in floor space requirement
4. Greater flexibility
5.Reduction in inventory
6. Lower manufacturing lead time
7.Reduced labor requirement
8. Better product quality and productivity
9. Extended period production
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19. Limitation of flexible manufacturing
systems
1. High initial cost
2. High maintenance cost
3. Worker unemployment
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20. Application of flexible manufacturing
systems
• The four types of production systems can be distinguished in
terms of production quality (volume) and product variety
(flexibility),as shown in Figure
• The stand alone machines including CNC machines are highly
flexible and most suited for large product varieties. However, they
are not suitable for large production quantity.
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21. Mass production
(use
Transfer Lines)
Batch production
(use Flexible
Manufacturing system)
Job production
(use stand-alone
machines including
CNC machines
Continuous Flow Type Production
Production variety (Flexibility)
Productionquantity(Volume)
The transfer lines are highly efficient in
producing large quantities of a fixed
product.
However ,they are highly inflexible
and cannot large product variety.
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22. Thank you
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