Flexible Manufacturing Systems

2007/Fall

Instructor:
Email: pctseng@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
Office: Mech. Eng. Building, Rm. 416,
Tel: (04)2284-0433 Ext. 416
The manufacturing field continues to become more complex brought
about principally by global competition, cost and profitability pressure,
and rapidly advancing technology. Flexible manufacturing cells and
systems represent an avenue of change for manufacturers that helps to
bridge the gap between technology, competition, and profitability
through a highly specialized and focus approach to manufacturing
effectiveness.
This course covers the diverse topics of Flexible Manufacturing
system (FMS). Fundamental concepts and elements of FMS with
concentration on FMS implementation will be the core of our course.
The concept of flexible automation evolved through efforts to more
efficiently and effectively utilize and control assets, information, and
resources in a changing economic climate. Automated cells an systems
have grown from concept to reality in light of the installed systems
currently in place throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe. And
they are projected to grow dramatically over the next several years as
manufacturers strive to become more comfortable with the increasing
installed base of cells and systems and the dynamic forces of
competitiveness, productivity, and profitability.
Textbooks:
1. Class Notes
2. Flexible Manufacturing Cells and Systems, William W. Luggen,
Prentice-Hall, 1991,
References:
1.

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Mc
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w-Hill, 1995
2. "Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated
Manufacturing", M.P. Groover, Prentice-Hall, 1987
3. "NC Machine Programming and Software Design", Chang and
Melkanoff, Prentice-Hall, 1989

4. "Flexible Manufacturing Systems" - The Technology and

Management", Reza A. Maleki, Prentice Hall, 1991,

5. "",,,,1992
6. "Manufacturing System", SME Journal, 1990 and after
7. "Manufacturing Review", SME Journal, 1990 and after
8. "Journal of Engineering for Industrial", ASME, 1990 and after
Course Objectives:
The course serves as an introduction to the modern methods of
manufacturing. Its objectives are: (i) to expose the student to the
different types of manufacturing available today such as the Special
Manufacturing System, the Manufacturing Cell, and the Flexible
Manufacturing System (FMS), (ii) to learn the fundamentals of computer
assisted numerical control programming and programming languages, (iii)
the automated flow lines, (iv) the common CAD/CAM data base
organized to serve both design and manufacturing, and (v) to practice the
PLC control devices and CNC operation skills.
Course Outlines:
1. Evolution of Manufacturing Systems
Introduction to Flexible Automation Systems
Flexible Manufacturing System Design
2. Processing and Quality Assurance Equipment
Automated Machining Systems
Coordinate Measuring Machine
Cleaning and Deburring Equipment
3. System Support Equipment
Material Handling Systems
Automated Storage/Retrieval System
Industrial Robot
4. FMS Computer Hardware, Software, and Communication Networks
NC Programming
Programmable Logic Control (PLC)
Sensory Systems and Actuator Devices
Servo Systems
5. Case Studies
Grading:
1. Technical Paper Review (4 FMS related paper reports are required 40%,
10/16, 11/13, 12/11, 01/08)
2. Examinations (Midterm exam 30%, 11/13)
3. FMS project (30%, due 1/08 Brief presentation is required)