Automation

Automation

1. Assembly Machines

   • In line
   • Rotary
   • Fixed (Hard) Automation
     • name for assembly machines
     • operation is fixed and all parts produced identical
     • Disadvantages
       • One breaks down entire line held up
       • Lack of Variety
       • High cost to change product type
   • Flexible Assembly System (FAS)
   • Flexible Assembly Cell (FAC)

2. Flexible Manufacture

   • combats problems with batch and mass
   • use of computer controlled machines programmed to perform variety of tasks
   • allows work to be routed through various sequences
   • Mass Production
     • new products introduced at low costs
   • Batch Production
     • can be fully automated
     • increased efficieny
     • reduced cost
   • Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
     • Productive Machines (PM)
       • programmed to perform different operations
       • CNC Machine Tool
         • computer numerical control
         • all early FMS most new FMS
         • automatic tool changer
         • machining prismatic parts
           • milling
           • drilling
           • planing
     • Material Handeling System (MHS)
       • programmed to transfer work to different PMs
       • Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
         • computer controlled transporter
         • less floor space needed than conveyers
         • more complex layouts possible
         • Wires buried in Ground
           • most common
           • complex layouts
         • Rail Guided
           • heavy parts
           • simple layout
         • laser triangulation
           • expensive
           • easily changeable paths
           • highly flexible
       • conveyer
     • fully automated system
     • Industrial Robots
       • PMs
         • deburring
           • removes sharp edges from materials
         • welding
         • assembly
       • MHS
         • combined with conveyers or AGVs to overcome lack of reach
       • computer controlled mechanical arm

3. Automated Storage and Retrieval System

   • store and retrieves materials
   • high precision and accuracy
   • defined degree of automation

4. Automated Factory Concept

   • Link FMS with FAS using AS/RS
   • technically feasible
   • high cost and v. complex
   • lack of people knowledge to design and build
   • sufficient to use FMS alone

5. FMS Today

   • Suitability
     • designed for defined spectrum
     • complex
     • not adaptable enough
   • Requirements
     • mass customisation of products
     • reconfigurability
     • adaptive and responsive factories
   • Trends
     • high performing
     • intelligent
     • transformable
     • reconfigurable machine tool
     • reconfigurable assembly system
     • self adapting control system