Tape/Vol. 9: A Summary of CIM Lessons Learned...

Tape/Vol. 10: FMS Cell and System Design Rules.

 

As Professor Ranky explains, in this program we discuss the following:

• The golden rules of the "CIM masters";
• Cellular manufacturing, FMS and CIM implementation experience;
• An interview with Mr. Andrew Murison, Bredford Metal Works;
• Managing change;
• IT (Information Technology) and manufacturing strategy;
• Requirements analysis;
• Flexibility;
• People issues;
• Management and human aspects;
• Interactive team and/or individual exercises.

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Think of the entire range of small FMCs, as shown below on the video screen print, as well as larger and more complex FMSs, or CIM systems.

In this image (taken from the original digital video clip) you can see a 4 axis turning cell working on a complex 3D component. The beauty of this Hitachi-Seiki Hicell machine is that it can turn as well as mill, in some cases simultaneously! (The actual video sows the entire process in detail).

As you enter the world of Computer Integrated Manufacturing...You should always ask yourselves: What are the major processes? Why do we have to deal with the selected processes? What are the essential interactions between the processes? Why? What are the "people" issues? Are these critical? What are the technology issues? Which are critical? What benefits will they produce?

Dr. Murison explains the most important steps when starting a cellular manufacturing (FMC), or FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System), or CIM (Computer Integrated Design and Manufacturing) project. He has developed several complex systems, therefore his words should be noted by all of us.

As part of a team, discuss, or if you are studying on your own, think about the following:

• What are the most important steps when starting a cellular manufacturing (FMC), or FMS (Flexible manufacturing System), or CIM (Computer Integrated Design and Manufacturing) project?
• How do you make sure that everybody is involved?
• How would you build an FMC, or FMS, or CIM team?
• What are the golden rules?
• What do we mean by thinking Total Quality?

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This video program discusses the following:

• The basics of FMS cell and system design rules;
• FMS cell and system components;
• Industrial examples of cells and FMSs;
• Cell models; Information flow, control and material handling inside and outside the cell;
• Networking aspects of cells and systems;
• Yamazaki - Mazak cell demonstrations and programming examples;
• Machining tool-path simulation;
• Interactive team and/or individual exercises.

(Note that the principles discussed and the industrial examples shown are applicable to both mechanical as well as electronic manufacturing. The video screen print below illustrates an IC chip / PCB, Printed Circuit Board, assembly process).

In this image (taken from the original digital video clip) you can see an electronic PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly process under computer control as part of an electronic assembly/ manufacturing cell. (Courtesy of GPT / Siemens / Plessey, UK). The actual video on the CD shows the entire process in detail. Enjoy it!

Let us consider cell architectures... When analyzing or designing a cell, first think of the processes the cell controller must perform. Then consider the actual conversion process. What does the cell and why?

Think of the processes the cell input / output and the cell buffer must perform.

Discuss manufacturing cell design...

• Explain some basic cell control issues,
• major components and
• their interactions, in terms of...
• Input / Output information flow between the Conversion Process, the
• Cell Controller and the Cell Input/Output Buffer...

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Based on the seen industrial cell / FMS examples discuss manufacturing cell design principles...

• Focus on control issues, and data flows, meaning WHAT? is controlled and HOW?
• and... Where does the data move?... and Why?...
• on the Input / Output information flow between the Conversion Process, (i.e. What goes in? ... and What comes out? ... and Why?)
• the roles of the Cell Controller and the
• Cell Input / Output Buffer...

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Mr. Les Pratt introduces Yamazaki - Mazak industrial examples of cellular manufacture. The actual video illustrates such cells and processes in operation.

Based on the seen industrial examples, as well as what we have discussed in terms of information flow within and outside the cell, discuss manufacturing cell design and operation control aspects.

Focus on the differences between the conventional and the advanced, cellular approach:

• Conventional manufacturing systems...
• Cellular manufacturing systems...
• FMS type manufacturing systems...
• The benefits and drawbacks of the discussed various types of manufacturing cells and systems...

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