What is Flexible Manufacturing – Advantages of Flexible Manufacturing System

1.  High equipment utilization

The output of a group of machine tools incorporated into the flexible manufacturing system can generally reach three times that of this group of machine tools in single-machine operation. The reason why FMS can obtain high efficiency is that first, the computer arranges the processing machine tool for each part. Once the machine tool is idle, the parts will be sent for processing immediately, and the corresponding NC processing program will be input into the machine tool. Second, because the parts sent to the machine tool have already been stuck on the pallet, the machine tool does not have to wait for the parts to be stuck.

2.  Reduce equipment investment

Due to the high utilization of equipment, FMS can complete the same workload with less equipment. Replacing multiple machining centers in the workshop with a flexible manufacturing system can generally reduce the investment by two-thirds.

3.  Reduce labor costs

Because the machine tool works under the control of the computer, it does not need workers to operate it. The only station where people are employed is the loading and unloading station. This reduces man-hour costs.

4. Quick response capability

A flexible manufacturing system has its inherent flexibility, which can adapt to the changes due to the changes of market demand and engineering design, and carry out multi-variety production. It can also insert spare parts and urgent parts manufacturing tasks without obviously disrupting the normal production plan.

5. Reduced WIP in process

Compared with general machining, FMS has a good effect in reducing the inventory of parts between processes. Some decreased by 80%. This is because the waiting time for processing is shortened.

6.  Maintain production capacity

Many flexible manufacturing systems are designed to have the ability to degrade when one or several machine tools fail. That is, the design with machining capacity and sink allowance is adopted, and the material conveying system has the ability to bypass the faulty machine tool by itself, and the system can still maintain production.

7.  High product quality

Reducing the number of parts clamping, a part can be processed with fewer machine tools, designing better special fixtures, and paying more attention to the positioning of machine tools and parts are conducive to improving the quality of parts.

8.  Operational flexibility

Operational flexibility is another factor in increasing productivity. Some flexible manufacturing systems can carry out the production of the second and third shifts unattended.

9.  Yield flexibility

The plane layout of the workshop is reasonably planned. When it is necessary to increase the output, increase the machine tools to meet the needs of expanding the production capacity.