FMS consists of a group of processing work stations

interconnected by means of an automated material handling and

storage system and controlled by integrated computer control
system.

FMS is called flexible because it is capable of processing
different work parts simultaneously at the workstation and
quantities of production can be adjusted with respect to demand
patterns.

WHAT IS FLEXIBLE
MANUFACTURING SYSTEM?
FLEXIBILITY MEANING
A manufacturing system must possess these three
capabilities in order to be flexible:


The ability to identify and distinguish among different
incoming part processed by the system.

Quick changeover of operating instructions.

Quick changeover of physical setup.



BASIC COMPONENTS OF FMS

a) Workstations: Workstations are computer numerical control (CNC)
machine tools that perform machining operation on work parts.
The various workstations are:
Machining centers
Load and unload stations
Assembly work stations
Inspection stations , etc.
b) Automated Material Handling and Storage system: These are
used to transport work parts and subassembly parts between the
processing stations.
Functions:
Handling a variety of work part configurations.
Temporary storage.
Convenient for loading and unloading of work parts.



c) Computer Control System: It is used to coordinate
the activities of the processing stations and the
material handling system in the FMS.
Functions:
Control of each work station.
Distribution of control instruction to work stations.
Production control.
Traffic control.




TYPES OF FMS
Flexible manufacturing systems can be distinguished according to the
number of machines in the system, they are
a) Single machine cell
b) Flexible manufacturing cell
c) Flexible manufacturing system
a) Single Machine Cell: It consists of one CNC machining centre
combined with a parts storage system for unattended operation. The cell
can be divided to operate in a batch mode, a flexible mode, or a
combination of both.
b) Flexible manufacturing cell(FMC): It consists of two or three
processing work stations combined with a part handling system. The part
handling system is connected to a load/unload station. The handling
system usually includes a limited parts storage capacity.
c) Flexible manufacturing system (FMS): It has four or more processing
stations connected mechanically by a common parts handling system and
electronically by a distributed computer system.

TYPES OF FMS LAYOUT
The different types of FMS layouts are:

a) In-line type

b) Loop type

c) Ladder type

d) Open-field type

e) Robot- centered type


Work flow-one direction
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
LOAD
UNLD
MAN
Work in
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
Work out
Work flow-both directions
Basic in-line configuration with one directional work flow
In-line with transfer at workstations to allow back flow on primary handling system
Inline Configuration
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
LOAD
Work
flow
LOOP CONFIGURATION
LADDER CONFIGURATION
LOAD UNLD
MAN
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
PROC
AUT
Work flow
OPEN-FIELD CONFIGURATION
ROBOT-CENTERED CONFIGURATION
CHALLENGES WITH FMS

Determining if FMS is the best production system for
your company (economically and socially)

High costs associated with implementing FMS

Day to day maintenance of FMS operations
AIMS OF FMS

The principle Aims of FMS are:
To reduce costs.
To Decrease Lead Times.
To Increase machine utilization.
To Decrease Work in Progress.
Better utilization of the production equipment.
Reduction of piece part unit costs.
To increase Technical Performance.
Shorter lead times/delivery times.
Determination of production capacities.
To increase quality.

ADVANTAGES OF USING FMS
To reduce set up and queue times
Improve efficiency
Reduce time for product completion
Utilize human workers better
Produce a variety of Items under one roof
Improve product quality
Produce more product more quickly

DISADVANTAGE OF USING FMS
Limited ability to adapt to changes in product or
product mix
Expensive, costing millions of dollars
Sophisticated manufacturing systems

CONCLUSION
We can concluded that it is system, which reduces the
manual work with the help of automation.

It is also help us to understand the concept of automation
as it is the requirement of today globalize world.

By using the flexible manufacturing system we can save
65 to 75% time over general manufacturing system.

Flexible Manufacturing System improve the quality of
product by maximum utilization of equipments and
resources at minimum cost.