Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) were first conceptualized in the 1960s and allow for automated production with interchangeable parts. An FMS consists of multiple automated workstations like CNC machines connected by an automated material handling system. This automation allows for flexibility in production, including the ability to produce different part styles and quick changeovers. While offering advantages like improved efficiency and quality, implementing an FMS presents challenges around costs, maintenance, and adapting to production changes.

1. FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
HISTORY:-
• In the 80ths for the first time manufacturers had to take in consideration efficiency,
quality, and flexibility to stay in businessThe FMS was first conceptualized for
machining, and it required the prior development of NC.
• This concept is credited to David Williamson, a British engineer during mid-1960s.
• In late 1960s the first FMS machining system was installed at Ingersoll-Rand
company in Virginia.
• Germany implemented its first FMS in 1969, in cooperation with the university of
Stuttgart.
• Russia and Japan implemented FMS in 1972.
Examples of numerically controlled equipment are like a CNC lathes or mills which is called
varying types of FMS. In the 70ths manufacturers could not stay to date with the ever-
growing technological knowledge manufacturers competitors have, so FMS became
mainstream in manufacturing.
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
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.

2. 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
Quick changeover of physical setup.
DEFINITION:-
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.
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
SINGLE MANUFACTURING 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

3. 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.
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.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF FMS
• Workstations
• Automated Material Handling and Storage systems
• Computer Control System
WORKSTATION
• Substations
1. Load/Unload Stations
2. Machining Stations
3. Other processing stations
4. Assembly

4. 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, and
 Programming and operation the computer system.
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

5. DISADVANTAGE OF FMS
Limited ability to adapt to changes in product or product mix (ex: machines are of limited
capacity and the tooling necessary for products, even of the same family, is not always
feasible in a given FMS)
-planning activity
oning and precise timing necessary to
process a component
CHALLENGES WITH FMS
• Determining if FMS the best production system for your company (economically and
socially)
• Possible expansion costs associated with implementing FMS
• Day to day maintenance of FMS operations
• Determining if FMS the best production system for your company
• Possible expansion costs associated with implementing FMS

6. DEVELOPMENT IN FMS
• Several actions must be decided on before you can have a FMS.These actions include:
• Selecting operations needed to make the product.
• Putting the operations in a logical order.
• Selecting equipment to make the product.
• Arranging the equipment for efficient use.
• Designing special devices to help build the product.
• Developing ways to control product quality.
• APPLICATIONS
Testing the manufacturing system
-welding (arc , spot), gluing
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.