Scribd
Upload
674 views41 pages

Understanding Flexible Manufacturing Systems

This document provides an overview of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). It defines FMS as an automated machine cell consisting of interconnected processing workstations and material handling systems. The history and components of FMS are described, including workstations, computer control systems, and material handling. Different types of FMS layouts and their flexibility are discussed. The document outlines applications and advantages of FMS, as well as challenges, and concludes that FMS can meet specific company demands but requires substantial investment.

Uploaded by

Adhavan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
674 views41 pages

Understanding Flexible Manufacturing Systems

This document provides an overview of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). It defines FMS as an automated machine cell consisting of interconnected processing workstations and material handling systems. The history and components of FMS are described, including workstations, computer control systems, and material handling. Different types of FMS layouts and their flexibility are discussed. The document outlines applications and advantages of FMS, as well as challenges, and concludes that FMS can meet specific company demands but requires substantial investment.

Uploaded by

Adhavan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to FMS: Explains the concept of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), describing it as an automated machine cell with processing workstations.
  • History of FMS: Covers the origins and development milestones of FMS, starting with the first patent by Theo Williamson.
  • Why FMS?: Discusses the benefits of adopting FMS, such as optimizing manufacturing cycle time and reducing costs.
  • What Makes It Flexible?: Highlights the features that allow FMS to adapt quickly to different part styles and setups, enhancing flexibility.
  • Classification of FMS: Describes different types of flexible manufacturing systems based on machine count and setup complexity.
  • Basic Components of FMS: Identifies the core components of FMS, including workstations, material handling, and control systems.
  • Types of FMS: Explores various types of FMS layouts and operational strategies like sequential, random, and dedicated FMS.
  • Layouts of FMS: Details different FMS layout designs such as line, loop, ladder, and robot-centered layouts.
  • Flexibility in FMS: Explains how FMS allows for variance in part assembly, production volume, and product design adaptation.
  • Application of FMS: Describes the applications of FMS in various manufacturing processes like machining, assembly, and testing.
  • Advantages of FMS: Lists the benefits of FMS, such as improved efficiency, reduced setup times, and enhanced product quality.
  • Disadvantages of FMS: Discusses the potential downsides, including high costs and the need for extensive planning.
  • Challenges with FMS: Outlines challenges associated with implementing FMS, such as deciding its suitability and managing costs.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes the impact and necessity of FMS in modern manufacturing technology and its potential benefits for multitasking operations.

FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING

SYSTEMS(FMS)

CONTENTS
Introduction
History
Why

to FMS

of FMS

FMS ?

Basic

components of FMS

FMS

equipment

Types

of FMS

Layouts

of FMS

Flexibility

in FMS

Applications

of FMS

Advantages
Disadvantage
Challenges
Conclusion

with FMS

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.

History of FMS
The

first FMS was patented in 1965 by


Theo Williamson who made numerically
controlled equipment.

Examples

of numerically controlled
equipment are like a CNC lathes or mills
which is called varying types of FMS.

Why FMS ?
External

changes such as change in


product design and production system.

Optimizing
Reduced

the manufacturing cycle time

production costs

Overcoming

breakdowns etc.

internal

changes

like

What makes it
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

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 Machine 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

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

Computer control
Programmable logic Controller

PLC:

The FMS includes a distributed


computer
system
that
is
interfaced to
the

workstations,

Material
Other

handling system, and

hardware components.

A typical FMS computer system consists of


a central computer and microcomputers.

Microcomputers controlling the individual


machines and other components.

The central computer coordinates the activities


of the
components to achieve smooth overall
operation of the system

Material handling system

AGV

Allied Signals Flexible


Manufacturing System

A 5 machines FMS for machining:-photo courtesy of Cincinnati


Milacron

Types of FMS
Sequential
Random

FMS

FMS

Dedicated

FMS

Engineered

FMS

Layouts of FMS
Progressive
Loop

or Line Type

Type

Ladder Type
Open

field type

Robot

centered type

1.Progressive Layout

2. Loop Layout

3.Ladder Type Layout

4.Open Field Layout

5. Robot Centered Layout

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.

Continue..

To be flexible, a manufacturing system must posses the


following capabilities:

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.

Application of FMS

Metal-cutting machining

Metal forming

Assembly

Joining-welding (arc , spot), glueing

Surface treatment

Inspection

Testing

Human Resources

Human are needed to manage the operations of


the FMS. Functions typically performed by human
includes:

Loading raw workparts 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
system.

and

operation

the

computer

FMS at Vought Aircraft

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.

Processing of Gear 1 by Conventional Manufacturing System.

Processing of Gear 2 by Flexible Manufacturing System

The processing of Gear by FMS saves


approximately 100 seconds per gear including pre
& post processing adjustments.
This means if number of gears to be produced
increases this will save lot of time and increase
productivity of the manufacturer.

This will help in earning more profit. Hence


FMS is more beneficial than conventional
manufacturing system.

Comparison

Challenges with FMS

Determining if FMS the best production system


for your company

Possible expansion costs associated with


implementing FMS

Conclusion
FMS

is a revolution in the field of Manufacturing


Technology.

FMS

can be designed to meet the specific demand of


each company

FMS
FMS

is used for multitask operation.

requires substantial investment of time and


resources.

THANK YOU

FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS(FMS)
CONTENTS Introduction to FMS History of FMS Why FMS ? Basic components of FMS FMS equipment Types of FMS Layouts of FM
A flexible manufacturing system is a automated machine cell, consisting of a group of processing workstations,interc
History of FMS The first FMS was patented in 1965 by Theo Williamson who made numerically controlled equipment. Examples
Why FMS ? External changes such as change in product design and production system. Optimizing the manufacturing cycle ti
What makes it flexible??? 1.The ability to identify and distinguish among the different part styles processed by the syste
Classification of FMS… Flexible manufacturing systems can be distinguished according to the number of machines in the syst
Single Machine Cell (SMC) A single machine cell consists of one CNC machining center combined with a parts storage system
Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC) A flexible manufacturing cell consists of two or three processing workstations (typical

You might also like