Components of FMS
As indicated in our definition, there are various basic components of an FMS. In the following segment, a framework for understanding the components of an FMS is presented. A flexible manufacturing system contains two subsystems:
- Physical subsystem
- Control subsystem
Physical subsystem involved the following elements:
Workstations
This consists of NC machines, inspection equipments, machine -tools, loading and unloading operation, and machining area.
Storage -retrieval Systems
It behaves as a buffer during WIP (work-in-processes) and holds devices such like carousels utilized to store parts temporarily among workstations or operations.
Material Handling Systems
This consists of power vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyers and other systems to carry parts among workstations.
Control subsystem comprises following elements:
Control Hardware
This consists of mini and micro computers, communication networks, programmable logic controllers; switching devices and others peripheral devices such like printers and mass storage memory equipments to improve the working capability of the FMS systems.
Control Software
This is a set of files and programs that are utilized to control the physical subsystems. The efficiency of FMS totally based upon the compatibility of control hardware & control software.