Denizhan Sismanogullar Industrial Engineering Department

A flexible manufacturing system is a type of industrial process that allows equipment to be used for more than one purpose, though they may be somewhat related.

The concept of flexible manufacturing systems evolved during the 1960’s when robots, programmable controllers, and computerized numerical controls brought an environment to the factory floor in the form of numerically- controlled and direct-numerically-controlled machines.

The main goal of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is to offer the speed needed to change with market conditions quickly, but not sacrifice any quality.

Equipments of FMS Equipment that does this most effectively is likely designed for two or more purposes.  Primary equipment work centers Universal machining centers Turning centers Grinding machines Nibbling machines  Process centers Wash machines Coordinate measuring machines Robotic work stations Manual workstations

The potential benefits from the implementation and utilization of a flexible manufacturing system have been detailed by numerous researchers on the subject.

These benefits include ;  Better control over quality  Reduced labor  More efficient use of machinery  Work-in-process inventory reduced  Increased capacity  Increased production flexibility  Increased system reliability  Less waste  Fewer workstations  Reduced downtime

Another Example  M1 O1 O2 O3 O5 M2 O2 O3 O5 M3 O4 O5 P1 O1 O2O3 O5 P2 O2 O3O5 P1 P2 Four operations needed to process P1 Three operations needed to process P2 M1 can perform Four operations Two part types & Three Machines GECCO 2002, New York M2 can perform three operations M3 can perform two operations This choice tries to minimize part transfer between machines

 M1 O1 O2 O3 O5 M2 O2 O3 O5 M3 O4 O5 P1 P2 Two part types & Three Machines This choice tries to distribute workload (operations) evenly between machines P1 O1 O2O3 O5 P2 O2 O3O5

 Despite these benefits, FMS do have certain limitations. In particular, this type of system can only handle a relatively- narrow range of part varieties, so it must be used for similar parts that require similar processing.  Due to increased complexity and cost, an FMS also requires a longer planning and development period than traditional manufacturing equipment.

Any system will have certain disadvantages. The possible disadvantages associated with the system are as follows:  Very high start-up cost.  Problems may occur in the various components of the systems, which may require a long debugging process.

 However, the magnitude of flexibility that the system offers and the volume of production completely justifies the high initial investment made to develop this system.  Any system of this magnitude and complexity it bound to develop some problems. Anyway,the returns offered by this system completely justify the time spent on debugging it.

Consequence  Flexible manufacturing systems are now being widely employed to improve productivity and quality of the product. It also improves the quality of life for the operator. The new techniques will have a major impact on economic factors.  Finally, implementation of FMS will benefit both the manufacturer and the costumer.

Thanks For Listening! Denizhan Sismanogullar