Concept of Flexible Manufacturing Systems - FMS

Concept of Flexible Manufacturing Systems - FMS

Concept of Flexible Manufacturing Systems - FMS - An FMS is a logical extension of CAM (computer aided manufacturing). An FMS consists of two or more computer controlled machines linked by handling devices such as robots and transport systems.

In other words, an FMS is a group of NC machines which are interconnected by a material handling system. All the machines and the work handling system are controlled by computer.

Computers direct the overall sequence of operations and route the workpiece to the appropriate machine, select and load the proper tools, and control the operations performed by the machine.

Flexible manufacturing is usually carried out with numerically controlled machine tools, robots and conveyors under the control of a central computer.

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an individual machine or group of machines served by an automated materials handling system that is computer controlled and has a tool handling capability. Because of its tool handling capability and computer control, such a system can be continually reconfigured to manufacture a wide variety of parts. This is why it is called a flexible manufacturing system.

The key elements necessary for a manufacturing system to qualify as an FMS are as follows:

1. Computer control

2. automated materials handling capability

3. Tool handling capability

Flexible manufacturing represents a major step toward the goal of fully integrated manufacturing in that it involves integration of automated production processes. In flexible manufacturing, the automated manufacturing machine (i.e., lathe, mill, drill) and the automated materials handling system share instantaneous communication via a computer network. This is integration on a small scale.

Flexible manufacturing integrates several automated manufacturing concepts:

1. Computer numerical control (CNC) of individual machine tools

2. Distributed numerical control (DNC) of manufacturing systems

3. automated materials handling systems

4. Group technology (families of parts)

When these automated processes, machines, and concepts are brought together in one integrated system, an FMS is the result. Humans and computers play major roles in an FMS. The amount of human labour is much less than with a manually operated manufacturing system of course. However, humans still playa vital role in the operation of an FMS.

Human tasks include the following:

1. Equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair

2. Tool changing and setup

3. Loading and unloading the system

4. Data input

5. Changing of parts programs

6. Development of programs

Control at all levels in an FMS is provided by computers. Individual machine tools within an FMS are controlled by CNC. The overall system is controlled by DNC. The automated materials handling system is computer controlled, as are other functions including data collection, system monitoring, tool control, and traffic control. Human/computer interaction is the key to the flexibility of an FMS.