A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an automated machine cell consisting of a group of processing workstations interconnected by an automated material handling and storage system. It is suited for mid-variety, mid-volume production. An FMS has the ability to identify different part styles, complete quick changeovers of operating instructions and physical setups, and satisfy tests of flexibility including part variety, schedule changes, error recovery, and production of new parts. The basic components of an FMS are workstations, automated material handling and storage systems, and a computer control system.

1. Flexible
Manufacturing
System.
PRASANNA DAE.,BE(Auto).,ME (Manufacturing Engg)
TamilNadu Madurai
INDIA

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Tests of Flexibility….
To qualify as being flexible, a manufacturing system should
satisfy several criteria.The following are four reasonable
tests of flexibility in an automated manufacturing system:
Part variety test
Schedule change test
Error Recovery test
New part test
 If the answer to all of these questions is “YES” for a given
manufacturing system, then the system can be considered

6. Basic components of FMS
•Workstations
•Automated Material Handling and Storage
systems
• Computer Control System

7. Workstation
•Substations
1. Load/Unload Stations
2. Machining Stations (Milling Machines ,Turning
Machines ,etc.,)
3. Other processing stations
(Punching,shearing,welding,Bending,Forming)
4. Assembly Stations (Robots)
5. Other stations and equipments(Inspection,Vision,
etc.,)

8. Material handling system
Substations
1. Independent movement of workparts
between stations.
2. Handle variety of parts
3. Temporary storage
4. Convenient for loading and unloading
workparts

9. Material handling system

10. Computer controlled
system

11. Computer controlled
system• FMS includes a distributed computer system that is interfaced to
1.Workstations
2.Material handling system
3.Other Hardware components.
 A typical computer system consists of central computer and Micro
computers
1.Microcomputers controling the individual machines and other
components
2.The central computer coordinates the activities of the components to
achieve smooth overall operation of the system.

13. Number of Machines
•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

14. Number of Machines
Single Machine cell
(SMC)
Flexible
ManufacturingCell

15. 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.

16. Allied Signal’s Flexible Manufacturing System

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

18. 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

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

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

21. Conclusion
•FMS is a revolution in the field of Manufacturing
Technology.
•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.

22. Thank you…