A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a production system using numerically controlled machines connected by automated transportation, managed by dedicated computers. It offers flexibility in adapting to engineering changes, improves efficiency, and supports a variety of products through various layouts and components. FMS applications include processes like machining, assembly, and inspection, delivering advantages such as reduced setup times and improved product quality.

1. Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
• A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) is a
production system consisting of a set of identical
and/or complementary numerically controlled
machine which are connected through an
automated transportation system.
• Each process in FMS is controlled by a dedicated
computer (FMS cell computer).

2. Flexible Automation
•Ability to adapt to engineering changes in parts
•Increase in number of similar parts produced on the
system
•Ability to accommodate routing changes
•Ability to rapidly change production set up

3. Flexible Manufacturing System
Parts
Finished
goods
Load Unload
Computer
control
room
Terminal
Machine Machine
Tools
Conveyor
Pallet

4. Illustration Example of a FMS

5. FMS with Other Manufacturing Systems

6. FMS Components
•Numerical Control (NC) machine tools
•Automated material handling system
(AMHS)
•Automated guided vehicles (AGV)
•Conveyors
•Automated storage and retrieval systems
(AS/RS)
•Industrial Robots
•Control Software

7. FMS workstations
The workstations used in FMS depends upon the types of
product manufactured by the system. The types are
 Load/unload stations
 Machine stations
 Assembly workstations
 Inspection stations
 Other processing stations

8. Layouts of FMS
•In – line layout
•Loop layout
•Ladder Layout
•Open Field Layout
•Robot – centered cell

9. In – line layout

10. Loop layout

11. Ladder Layout

12. Open Field Layout

13. Robot – centered cell

14. Material Handling
It is defined as the functions and systems associated with the
transportation, storage and physical control to work-in-process material
in manufacturing.

15. Functions of Material Handling System
• Random, independent movement of work parts between
stations.
• Handle a variety of work part configurations
• Temporary storage
• Convenient access for loading and unloading work parts
• Compatible with computer control

16. Types of Material Handling System for FMS
Layout

17. Types of Material Handling Equipment
•Conveyors
•Cranes and Hoists
•Industrial Trucks
•Monorails and RGV
•AGVs
•Industrial Robots

18. Computer Control System
This is used to control the automated and semi-
automated equipment and to participate in the overall
coordination and management of the manufacturing
systems.

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

20. Economics of FMS

21. 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