Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a form of flexible automation in which several machine tools are linked together by a material-handling system, and all aspects of the system are controlled by a central computer.
An FMS is distinguished from an automated production line by its ability to process more than one product style simultaneously. At any moment, each machine in the system may be processing a different part type. FMS can let us make changes in production schedule in order to meet the demands on different products.
4
New product styles can be introduced into production with an FMS, so long as they are to be used on the products that the system can process. This kind of system is, therefore, ideal when there are likely to be changes in demands.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
An automatic materials handling subsystem links machines in the system and provides for automatic interchange of work pieces in each machine Automatic continuous cycling of individual machines Complete control of the manufacturing system by the host computer Lightly manned, or possibly unmanned
6
2-System flexibilities:
Volume flexibility Expansion flexibility Routing flexibility Process flexibility Product flexibility
3-Aggregate flexibilities
Program Flexibility Production Flexibility Market Flexibility
Weaving Looms with paper tapes, NC machines with paper tapes Hard wired NC machines Computer controlled NC machines (CNC) Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
10
Robotics Material Handling / Transport Machines Manual / Automated Assembly Cells Computers Controllers Software Networks
11
12
Benefits of FMS
FMS systems are intended to solve the following problems:
Reduced work in process Increased machine utilization Better management control Reduced direct and indirect labor Reduced manufacturing lead-time Consistent and better quality Reduced inventory
13
Expensive, costing millions of dollars Substantial pre-planning activity Sophisticated manufacturing systems Limited ability to adapt to changes in product Technological problems of exact component positioning and precise timing necessary to process a component
14
Technology will make 100% inspection feasible Computer diagnosis will improve estimation of machine failure, and guide work crews repairing failures The use of robots that have vision, and tactile sensing Minimum human labor in manufacturing systems More sophisticated tools with increased computing power Better management software, hardware, and fixturing techniques Developed standards that will let us install new machines easily
15
16
17
In studying FMS, we need to keep in mind what Peter Drucker said: "We must become managers of technology not merely users of technology".
18
19