3. FMS Module
This
module, Fig. 10-4-18, combines the features beyond the standard design so that
it can be integrated into a full FMS system whenever it is necessary. The
features of these modules are increased control capabilities, material handling
capacity, tooling and processing facilities, axis travel, thrust requirements,
and spindle designs.
FMS SYSTEM PLANNING
To
achieve optimum efficiency in manufacturing, various components must be
combined to make an effective flexible manufacturing system, Fig. 10-4-19. To
justify the large capital investment, the system should operate 24 hours every
day, whenever possible. The manufacturing goal is to have factories operate
8760 hours per year while producing a wide variety of products with very little
human intervention.
Fig. 10-4-19
The main elements of a flexible
manufacturing system. (Kelmar Associates)
Machines
will be grouped together in small clusters or cells with automatic handling of
all materials in and between various cells. All equipment will be computer
controlled, which will greatly improve the accuracy and consistency of the
production system. Automatic tool changing will be common of all machines to
speed the machining process and reduce machine downtime. Tool management
ensures that the right tool arrives at the right place, at the right time.
To satisfy production requirements, several
cells may be set up, each connected with the others. These in turn will be
connected with areas of the plant such as material storage, transport, and data
communications, all under the control of the executive and mainline computers.
The
inspection system of FMS systems must be accurate and reliable enough to detect
variations in dimensional accuracy, and make changes to correct the error by an
adjustment, or replacing the cutting tool. All types of material-handling
systems such as robots and automated guided vehicles will ensure that the right
material, fixture, tooling, and other requirements for production, are
available as they are required.
To
make the system complete, all functions in the manufacturing process, such as
design, planning, inventory control, scheduling, and shop floor control, must
be able to communicate with each other automatically. By networking, they can
share the common database and all other current information. Each cell system
can take any independent action required, based on this shared information. The
control computer will report any problems requiring human attention.
SUMMARY
-
Flexible
manufacturing systems should be considered whenever productivity and
flexibility are essential for a manufacturing system.
-
FMS
provides manufacturers with a way to reduce many hidden manufacturing
costs such as scrap, in-process inventory, labor costs, material, and
overhead costs, and to improve machine uptime.
-
The
direct reduction in costs can vary from a low of 30% in labor, to a high
of 90% in machine uptime. This allows manufacturers to be competitive on
the world market while still being profitable.
For more information on
FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
see the Websites:
www.cinmach.com
www.glmachinetools.com
Copyright © Industrial Press, Inc.