10-04-2012, 11:45 AM
Flexible Manufacturing System
Flexible Manufacturing System.pptx (Size: 1.87 MB / Downloads: 32)
Introduction
What is an FMS?
Definition:
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing system in which there is some amount of flexibility that allows the system to react in the case of changes, whether predicted or unpredicted.
Two categories of flexibility
Machine flexibility, covers the system's ability to be changed to produce new product types, and ability to change the order of operations executed on a part.
Routing flexibility, which consists of the ability to use multiple machines to perform the same operation on a part, as well as the system's ability to absorb large-scale changes, such as in volume, capacity, or capability.
FMS Components
Most FMS systems comprise of three main systems
Work machines (typically automated CNC machines) that perform a series of operations;
An integrated material transport system and a computer that controls the flow of materials, tools, and information (e.g. machining data and machine malfunctions) throughout the system;
Auxiliary work stations for loading and unloading, cleaning, inspection, etc.
FMS Goals
Reduction in manufacturing cost by lowering direct labor cost and minimizing scrap, re-work, and material wastage.
Less skilled labor required.
Reduction in work-in-process inventory by eliminating the need for batch processing.
Reduction in production lead time permitting manufacturers to respond more quickly to the variability of market demand.
Better process control resulting in consistent quality.
Advantages of FMS
Faster, lower- cost changes from one part to another which will improve capital utilization
Lower direct labor cost, due to the reduction in number of workers
Reduced inventory, due to the planning and programming precision
Consistent and better quality, due to the automated control
Lower cost/unit of output, due to the greater productivity using the same number of workers
Savings from the indirect labor, from reduced errors, rework, repairs and rejects
To reduce set up and queue times
Improve efficiency
Disadvantages of FMS
Limited ability to adapt to changes in product or product mix (ex:machines are of limited capacity and the tooling necessary for products, even of the same family, is not always feasible in a given FMS)
Substantial pre-planning activity
Expensive, costing millions of dollars
Technological problems of exact component positioning and precise timing necessary to process a component
Sophisticated manufacturing systems
Development of FMS
Several actions must be decided on before you can have a have a FMS.
These actions include.
Selecting operations needed to make the product.
Putting the operations in a logical order.
Selecting equipment to make the product.
Arranging the equipment for efficient use.
Designing special devices to help build the product.
Developing ways to control product quality.
Testing the manufacturing system.