Page 39 - Facility Management Module

FACILITES DESIGN FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES FUNCTION

Flexible manufacturing systems are designed for small-batch (low-volume) and

high-variety conditions. Whereas hard automation manufacturing systems are
frequently justified on the basis of economies of scale, flexible automation is justified on
the basis of scope. The concept of flexible manufacturing system is one that has very

broad scope.
Flexibility can be accomplished through
 Standardized handling and storage components
 Independent production units (manufacturing, assembly, inspection, etc.)

 Flexible material delivery system
 Centralized work-in-process storage
 High degree of control

Because of the variety of alternatives for storing, handling, and controlling mate-
rial, the specification of the material handling system and design of the layout can be
quite varied. Figures 4.2 (a) and b show two alternative configurations for the same
flexible manufacturing system. Figure 4.2 (a) illustrates external centralized work-in-

process storage while Figure 4.2 (b) shows an internal centralized work-in-process
storage. Work-in-process is needed because a part has to go through several
machines before it eventually leaves the system after the last machining operation is

performed.
Yet another FMS configuration based on cellular manufacturing principles is,
illustrated in Figure 4.2 (c). In this configuration, the handling distances are reduced
significantly as the machines are placed within the work envelope of the transfer
device, a robot handler in this illustration. This configuration has some built-in scal-

ability as only one cell can be used in case there is a reduction in the demand for the
products that are machined in this system.
What makes FMS flexible? For a manufacturing system to be categorized as
flexible, it must have the following capabilities:

1. Process different part styles in a nonbatch mode.
2. Accept changes in production schedule.
3. Respond gracefully to equipment malfunction and breakdown in the system
4. Accommodate the introduction of new part design.

BPLK 4 SUBJECT CODE