Why Study Flexible Manufacturing System

Reason 1：Flexible manufacturing systems are regarded as one of the most efficient
methods to employ in reducing or eliminating problems in manufacturing
industries.
Reason 2：FMS originated in London, England, in the 1960s when David Williamson
came up with a flexible machining system call System 24 to operate
unmanned 24 hours a day under computer control. Broader applications
developed and continue to be developed in the areas of injection molding,
metal forming andf abr ic
ating,anda s
sembl y;the y’rebybr oade ni
ngt he
name to flexible manufacturing systems.
Reason 3：De f
initionsofFMSva ryde pendingoni ndus t
ryt ypea ndt heus e
r ’
spointof
view.
Reason 4：Many FMS principles and practices apply regardless of industry type,
business objectives, or line of product.
Reason 5：FMS brings flexibility and responsiveness to the manufacturing floor.
Reason 6：Since the 1970s there has been explosive growth in system controls and
operational enhancements, which have allowed FMS to grow, develop,
and gain wider acceptance.
Reason 7：FMS enables manufacturing to machine a wide variety of workpieces on
few machines with low staffing levels, productively, reliably, and
predictably.
Reason 8：FMS is made up of hardware elements (machine tools, movable pallets,
material- handling equipment, coordinate measuring machines, computer
hardware equipment, and the like) and software elements (NC programs,
inspection programs, work-order files, and FMS software).
Reason 9：A true FMS can handle a wide variety of different parts, producing them
one at a time in random order.
Reason 10：FMS is not an end in itself, but a means to an end and the natural partner
to integrate to existing CAD/CAM systems and progress toward CIM.
Reason 11：Machine tools in many manufacturing industries are woefully
underutilized due to equipment not being used on second and third shifts,
and decreasing availability of skilled personnel, and day to day
disturbances.
Reason 12：FMS shortens the manufacturing process through improved operational
control, round-the-clock availability of automated equipment, increased
machine utilization and responsiveness, and reduction of human
intervention.