1.1 INTRODUCTION

 

• Basic layouts for material handling include,

- lines - stations arranged along a fixed part transfer path.

- batch - stations are grouped by function and batches of raw materials/WIP are brought in batches

- job shop - individual parts are carried through one or more stages by one worker

- job site - equipment is brought to the work

 

• These transfer systems can also be categorized by their timing approach,

- synchronous - the entire line moves parts with a fixed period cycle. This is well suited to mass production of similar products.

- asynchronous - parts are moved as completed or needed. Often buffers are required, but this is more tolerant of problems than synchronous systems.

- continuous - the product flows by without stopping

 

• Basic Requirements,

 

• Random, independent movement of palletized workparts between workstations in the FMS

- pallets can flow from any station to any other

- parts are mounted in pallet fixtures

- pallets can move independently to avoid interference

• Temporary storage or banking of workparts

- queues allow parts to wait for machines, thus increasing efficiency

• Convenient access for loading and unloading workparts

- easy to do manual load/unload.

- automatic loading/unloading of parts at workstations

- can load/unload from either side of system

• Compatible with computer control

• Provision for future expansion

- modular extensions to system are desirable

 

• Adherence to all applicable industrial codes

- safety, noise, etc.

• Access to machine tools

- allow unobstructed floor level access to each workstation

• Operation in shop environment

- must be reliable when exposed to metal chips, cutting fluids, oil, dirt, etc.

 

• Common type of Material handling systems

- power roller conveyors

 

- power and free overhead conveyors

 

- shuttle conveyors

- floor “towline” systems

 

- robots (in a limited sense)

- indexing (geneva mechanism)

- walking beam