Systems with Number of Distinct Cells

Such systems contain a number of distinct sub-divisions or cells, each of which has some of characteristics of an FMS. One instance is the Holset engineering in Huddersfield that has installed a system contains seven cells for the manufacture of shaft & wheel assemblies for their turbochargers18.32. The layout of the system is illustrated in Figure. The manufacturing sequence is split into self- contained stages & a cell made to perform the operation of that stage. The operation involves machining, hardening, grinding and balancing, welding and tempering.  Within each cell, there are two pallet stands from which parts are moved between workstations by using gantry robot. It also have a storehouse for storing raw materials, & semi-finished & finished components.

                                                       Figure : Layout of Andreson Strathclyde FMS

                                                                          Figure:  Layout of Cells in Holset Engineering FMS

The system is designed to permit each cell to operate independently, so that the influence of any possible breakdown might be minimized.