Flexible Manufactring Systems

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FLEXIBLE

MANUFACTRING
SYSTEMS
CHARLES ODADA

DEFINITION OF FMS
FMS (Flexible manufacturing system) is an automated set of numerically controlled
machine tools and material handling systems, capable of performing a wide range
manufacturing operations with quick tooling and instruction changeovers.
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) has four or more processing workstations
connected mechanically by a common part handling system and electronically by a
distributed computer system.
It covers a wide spectrum of manufacturing activities such as machining, sheet metal
working, welding, fabricating, scheduling and assembly.

Flexibility in FMS
Flexibility in manufacturing means the ability to deal with slightly or
greatly mixed parts, to allow variation in parts assembly and variations in
process sequence, change the production volume and change the design of
certain product being manufactured.
To be flexible, a manufacturing system must posses the following
capabilities:
1.
2.
3.

Identification of the different production units to perform the correct operation.


Quick changeover of operating instructions.
Quick changeover of physical setups of fixtures, tools and other working units.

Types of Flexibility
Machine Flexibility
Production Flexibility
Mix Flexibility
Product Flexibility
Routing Flexibility
Volume Flexibility
Expansion Flexibility

FMS LAYOUT
Progressive Layout

FMS LAYOUT
Loop Layout

FMS LAYOUT
Ladder Layout

FMS LAYOUT
Open field layout

FMS LAYOUT
Robot Centered Layout

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

Disadvantages of FMS
Expensive.
Substantial pre-planning activity.

Basic Components of FMS


Physical subsystem includes the following elements:
1. Workstations. It consists of NC machines, machine-tools, inspection equipment,
loading and unloading operation, and machining area.
2. Storage-retrieval systems. It acts as a buffer during WIP (work-in-processes) and
holds devices such as carousels used to store parts temporarily between work stations
or operations.
3. Material handling systems. It consists of power vehicles, conveyers, automated
guided vehicles (AGVs), and other systems to carry parts between workstations.

Components of FMS
Control subsystem comprises of following elements:
1. Control hardware. It consists of mini and micro computers,
programmable logic controllers, communication networks, switching
devices and others peripheral devices such as printers and mass storage
memory equipment to enhance the working capability of the FMS
systems.
2. Control software. It is a set of files and programs that are used to
control the physical subsystems. The efficiency of FMS totally depends
upon the compatibility of control hardware and control software.

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