Flexible Manufacturing System
FMS (Flexible manufacturing system) is a computer controlled system. It consists of several stations each geared to different operations. Work station machines are automated and programmable. Automated handling equipment move components to the suitable work station. after that it is moved onto the pre-programmed machines that select, position and activates the particular tools for every job. Hundreds of tool option is available. one time the machine has finished one batch the computer signals the next quantity or component, and machine automatically transferred to the next workstation in its routing.
In these system kits of materials and part for a product are loaded on the automated materials handling system. After that a code is entered into the computer system identifying the product to be produced and the location of the product in the sequence. As partially completed products finish at one produced machine, they are automatically passed to the next production machine. Every production machine receives its settings and instructions from the computer automatically loads and unloads tools as needed, and completes it work without the need for workers to attends its operations .
Although the initial cost of these system is high per unit production costs are low quality of production is high and product flexibility is high. FMS are growing's in significant and many companies are now installing them.