Flexible Manufacturing Systems - Connection Of A Group Of Systems For Faster Work And Agility.

Introduction :

In the middle of 1960s, market competition became more intense. During 1960 to 1970 cost was the primary concern. Later quality became the priority. As the market became more and more complex, speed of delivery became something customer also needed.

A new strategy was formulated (Customizability). The companies have to adapt to the environment in which they operate, to be moreflexiblein their operations and to satisfy different market segments. Thus the innovation of FMS became related to the effort of gaining competitive advantage.

First of all, FMS is a manufacturing technology. Secondly, FMS is a philosophy. “System” is
the key word. Philosophically, FMS incorporates a system view of manufacturing. The buzzwordfor today’s manufacturer is “agility”. An agile manufacturer is one who is the fastest to themarket,operates with the lowest total cost and has the greatest ability to “delight” its customers.FMS is simply one way that manufacturers are able to achieve this agility.

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an arrangement of machines ... interconnected by a transport system. The transporter carries work to the machines on pallets or other interface units so that work-machine registration is accurate, rapid and automatic. A central computer controls both machines and transport system.

“FMS consists of a group of processing work stations interconnected by means of an automatedmaterial handling and storage system and controlled by integrated computer control system.”

FMS is called flexible due to the reason that it is capable of processing a variety of different part styles simultaneously at the workstation and quantities of production can be adjusted in response to changing demand patterns.

Basic Components of a Flexible Manufacturing System :

The basic components of FMS are:
1. Workstations
2. Automated Material Handling and Storage system.
3. Computer Control System

1. Workstations:In present day application these workstations are typically computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools that perform machining operation on families of parts. Flexible manufacturing systems are being designed with other type ofprocessing equipment’s includinginspection stations, assembly works and sheet metal presses. The various workstations are :

(i) Machining centers
(ii) Load and unload stations
(iii) Assembly work stations
(iv) Inspection stations
(v) Forging stations
(vi) Sheet metal processing, etc.

2. Automated Material Handling and Storage system:The various automated material handling systems are used to transport work parts and subassembly parts between the processing stations, sometimes incorporating storage into function.

The various functions of automated material handling and storage system are :
(i) Random and independent movement of work parts between workstations
(ii) Handling of a variety of work part configurations
(iii) Temporary storage
(iv) Convenient access for loading and unloading of work parts
(v) Compatible with computer control

3. Computer Control System:It is used to coordinate the activities of the processing stations and the material handling system in the FMS. The various functions of computer control system are:

(i) Control of each work station
(ii) Distribution of control instruction to work station
(iii) Production control
(vi) Traffic control
(v) Shuttle control
(vi) Work handling system and monitoring
(vii) System performance monitoring and reporting
The FMS is most suited for the mid variety, mid value production range.