Flexible Manufacturing System

Layouts
BY
THAMSANQA B. JUBANE
CHRISPEN MAREGERE
MZIMKHULU NYONI
ERNEST SHOSHORE
TINASHE MUSAMBA
TENDAI MANGANI
MGCINI SIBANDA
LAST MABVUU
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FLEXIBLE
MANUFACTURING LAYOUTS
AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIAL
PROXIMITY TO THE MARKET
TRANSPORT FACILITIES
AVAILABILITY OF EFFICIENT AND CHEAP LABOUR
AVAILABILITY OF POWER ,WATER AND FUEL
 ATMOSPHERIC AND CLIMATIC CONDITION
SOCIAL AND RECREATION FACILITIES
PROGRESSIVE OR LINE
TYPE
• The machines and handling system are
arranged in a straight line
• The parts progress from one
workstation to the next in a well-
defined sequence
• Work always moving in one direction
and no back flow
• Best for producing a variety of parts
ADVANTAGES OF PROGRESSIVE OR LINE TYPE

• Best for producing a variety of parts

• Increased routing flexibility
• Most appropriate for a system in which the part progress from one workstation to
the next in a well-defined sequence with no back flow.

DISADVANTAGES
• Less support stations
LOOP LAYOUT
• The workstations are arranged in a
loop, that is served by a part
handling system.
• Parts flow in one direction but are
capable to stop & be transferred to
any station.
• Load/unload stations are usually
located at one end of the loop.
 ADVANTAGES OF LOOP LAYOUT
• Parts can skip stations for flexibility
• Used for large part sizes
• Best for long process times

DISADVANTAGES
• Reduced routing flexibility
LADDER TYPE
• This consists of a loop with rungs
upon which workstations are located
• The rungs increase the possible ways
of getting from one machine to the
next obviating the need of a secondary
handling system.
• It has reduced average travel distance
and minimised congestion.
 ADVANTAGES OF LADDER LAYOUT
• It reduces average travel distance and minimizes congestion in the handling
system, thereby reducing transport time between stations.
• Parts can be sent to any machine in any sequence
• Parts not limited to particular part families
OPEN FIELD LAYOUT
• Consists of multiple loops, sidings and
ladders
• Used to process a large family of parts
• Parts are usually routed to different
workstations depending on which one
becomes available first
ROBOT-CENTRED LAYOUT
• It uses one or more robots as the material
handling system.
• Industrial robots can be equipped with
grippers which makes them well suited
for the handling of rotational parts.
• These layout are often used to process
cylindrical & disc shaped parts.
 ADVANTAGES OF ROBOT-CENTRED LAYOUT
• Lower direct labour cost, due to the reduction in number of workers
• Consistent and better quality, due to the automated control

DISADVANTAGES
• Expensive layout
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS