Page 38 - Facility Management (All Chapter)

FACILITES DESIGN FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES FUNCTION

4.1.2 Flexible Manufacturing System

The word "flexible" is associated with such a system since it is able to manufacture
a large number of different part types. The components of a flexible manufacturing
system are the processing equipment, the material handling equipment, and the

computer control equipment. The computer control equipment is used to track parts
and manage the overall flexible manufacturing system.
Manufacturing situations for which a flexible manufacturing system might be
appropriate:

 Production of families of work parts
 Random launching of work parts onto the system
 Reduced manufacturing lead time

 Increased machine utilization
 Reduced direct and indirect labor
 Better management control

In designing the material handling system for a flexible manufacturing system the
following design requirements are recommended:

 Random, independent movement of palletized work parts between workstations
 Temporary storage or banking of work parts
 Convenient access for loading and unloading

 Compatible with computer control
 Provision for future expansion
 Adherence to all applicable industrial codes

 Access to machine tools
 Operation in shop environment

Flexible manufacturing systems are used to cope with change. Specifically, the
following changes are accommodated:
 Processing technology
 Processing sequence

 Production volumes
 Product sizes
 product mixes

BPLK 38 DMQ 40392