1. Name three reasons why single-station manned cells are so widely used in industry.

It requires the shortest amount of lime to implement. The user company can quickly launch production of a new part or product, while it plans and designs a more automated production method. It requires the least capital investment of all manufacturing systems. Technologically, it is the easiest system to install and operate. For many situations, particularly for low quantities, it results in the lowest cost per unit produced. In general, it is the most flexible manufacturing system with regard to changeovers from one part or product style to the next. 2. What does the term semi-automated station mean? Semi-automated station means where machines are automated using algorithms and specified codes without labour work. Here labour is required to maintain the system and check the quality of the product. In a semi-automated station, the machine is controlled by some form of program, such as a part program that controls a CNC machine tool during a portion of the work cycle, and the worker's function is simply to load and unload the machine each cycle and periodically change cutting tools. 3. What is a single-station automated cell? The single station automated cell (type I A) consists of a fully automated machine capable of unattended operation for a time period longer than one machine cycle. A worker is not required to be at the machine except periodically to load and unload parts or otherwise tend it. Reasons why this system category is important include the following: Labor cost is reduced compared with the single manned station. Among automated manufacturing systems, the single station automated cell is the easiest and least expensive system to implement. Production rates are generally higher than for a comparable manned machine. It often represents the first step in implementing an integrated multi-station automated system. The user company can install and debug the single automated machines individually and subsequently integrate them (1) electronically by means of a supervisory computer system and/or (2) physically by means of an automated material handling system. 4. What are the five enablers required for unattended operation of a single model or batch model automated production cell? -Programmed cycle: This allows the machine to operate automatically. -Parts storage subsystem: This allows for a continuous supply of parts beyond the operation

of one machine cycle. -Automatic transfer of work parts: This occurs between the storage system and the machine, and must be in place to ensure an automatic and regular feed of parts as necessary. -Periodic attention of worker: This is required to load/unload machine, change tools as they wear, and performs supporting maintenance and service operations. -Built-in safeguards: These protect the system from operating conditions that are unsafe for workers, self-destructive, or destructive to the work units being processed 5. What are the additional three enablers required for unattended operation of a mixed model automated production cell? The Three enablers are: -Work identification subsystem: Required so that the system can distinguish the part style currently being processed. Usually in sensor form, so that they can distinguish part features on work units. -Programme downloading capability: This is needed so that the machine can change to the machine cycle programme that corresponds to the part or product currently being processed. -Quick set-up changeover capability: This is required so the system can change to processing different part styles, as necessary. 6. What is an automatic pallet changer? The APC is used to exchange pallet fixtures between the machine tool worktable and the load/unload position. The work parts are clamped and located on the pallet fixtures, so that by accurately positioning the pallet fixture in front of the spindle, the part itself is accurately located. At the completion of the machining cycle, the pallet currently at the spindle is moved onto the automatic pallet changer (APC), and the APC table is rotated 180" to move the other pallet into position for transfer to the machine tool worktable. The pallet changer systems not only improved this tooling manufacturer's labor situation, but they managed to increase their production as much as 600 percent on some of its indexable cutting tool products. 7. What is a machining center? A machining center is a machine tool capable of performing multiple machining operations on a single work piece in one setup. The operations involve rotating cutters, such as milling and drilling and the feature that enables more than one operation to be performed in one setup is automatic tool-changing. It leads to a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) because it increases the flexibility regarding the variation in part-types that it can produce. It is also suitable for low-volume custom

orders. One of the most important advantages of them is that if one machine fails it does not affect the production of others. 8. What are some of the features on a NC machining center used to reduce non-productive time in the work cycle? 1: Automatic tool changer - A variety of machining operations means that a variety of cutting tools is required. The tools are contained in a tool storage unit that is integrated with the machine tool. When a cutter needs to be changed, the tool drum rotates to the proper position, and an automatic tool changer (ATC), operating under part program control, exchanges the tool in the spindle for the tool in the tool storage unit. Capacities of the tool storage unit commonly range from 16 to 80 cutting tools. 2: Automatic work part positioning - Many horizontal and universal machining centers have the capability to orient the work part relative to the spindle. This is accomplished by means of a rotary table on which the work part is fixture. The table can be oriented at any angle about a vertical axis to permit the cutting 1001 to access almost the entire surface of the part in a single setup. 3: Automatic pallet changer - Machining centers are often equipped with two (or more) separate pallets that can be presented to the cutting tool using an automatic pallet changer. While machining is being performed with one pallet in position at the machine, the other pallet is in a safe location away from the spindle. In this safe location the operator can unload the finished part from the prior cycle and then fixture the raw work part for the next cycle while the current work piece is being machined. 9. What is a machine cluster? Machine cluster is a collection of two or more machines producing parts or products with identical cycle times and serviced by one worker. It involves both heavy production processes and controls involved in creating increasingly automated products for construction, energy, automotive, construction etc. 10. Name three of the four factors that favor the use of manual assembly lines. 1. High or medium demand of product 2.Identical or similar products 3.Total work content can be divided into work elements 4.It is technologically impossible or economically infeasible to automate the assembly operations 11. What are the four reasons that explain why manual assembly lines are so productive compared to alternative methods in which multiple workers each perfor all of the tasks to assemble the product? Due to the following things: -Specialization of labor: When a large job is divided into small tasks and each task is assigned to one worker, the worker becomes highly proficient at performing the

single task (Learning curve). -Interchangeable parts: Each component is manufactured to sufficiently close tolerances that any part of a certain type can be selected at random for assembly with its mating component. -Work flow: Each work unit should move steadily along the line. -Line pacing: Workers must complete their tasks within a certain cycle time, which will be the pace of the whole line. 12. What is a manual assembly line? -It consists of a series of workstations at which assembly operations are performed by human workers to build gradually a product, such as an automobile. -most of the task are done by assemblers and the use of machines is limited to a very small number. 13. What is meant by the term manning level in the context of a manual assembly line? Manning level is the number of workers assigned to the workstation. In general one worker is assigned to a workstation. But there are some cases like manufacturing of cars and trucks where more than one worker is assigned at a station. Also average manning level of a manual assembly line is the total number of workers on the line divided by the number of stations; Average manning level: M= w/n M = average manning level of the line w = (total number of workers assigned in each workstation + number of utility workers assigned to the system) n = number of workstations High values of M, (M> 1) indicate manual operations at the workstations which conserves valuable floor space in the factory and reduces line length and throughput time because fewer stations are required, while low values (M < 1) denote some form of automation. Utility workers are not assigned to specific workstations. They are responsible for, (1) helping workers who fall behind, (2) relieving for workers for personal breaks, (3) maintenance and repair 14. What do the terms starving and blocking mean? -Starving of stations: The assembly operator has completed the assigned task on the current work unit, but the next unit has not yet arrived at the station. -Blocking of stations: The operator has completed the assigned task on the current work unit but cannot pass the unit to the downstream station because that worker is not yet ready to receive it. 15. Identify and briefly describe the three major categories of mechanized work transport systems used in production lines.

a) Continuous transport: conveyor moves at constant speed b) Synchronous transport: work units are moved simultaneously with stop-andgo (intermittent) motion to next stations c) Asynchronous transport: work units are moved independently between workstations. Queues of work units can form in front of each station 16. Name the three types of assembly line that were developed to cope with product variety, and explain the differences between them. a-Single-model case: all parts or products are identical (sufficient demand/fixed automation). Equipment associated with the system is specialized and designed for highest possible efficiency b-Batch-model case: different parts or products are produced by the system, but they are produced in batches because changeovers are required (hard product variety). c-Mixed-model case: different parts or products are produced by the system, but the system can handle the differences without the need for time-consuming changes in setup (soft product variety). 17. What does the term line efficiency mean in production line terminology? Line efficiency is the proportion uptime on the production line. It is the ratio of the theoretical cycle time Tc to the actual average production time Tp when downtime on the line is averaged in. 18. What is a minimum rational work element? Minimum rational work element: is a small amount of work having a specific limited objective, such as adding a component to the base part or joining two components or performing some other small portion of the total work content. A minimum rational work element cannot be subdivided any further without loss or practicality. Example: drilling a hole, screw and nut etc.

19. What is meant by the term precedence constraint? Precedence constraints are restrictions on the order in which the work elements can be performed. Some elements must be done before others. For example, to create a threaded hole, the hole must be drilled before it can be tapped. 20. What is meant by the term balance efficiency?
The balance efficiency Eb is the work content time divided by the total available service time on the line. It can be computed as Eb = Twc / wTs, where Twc = work content time, min; Ts = the maximum available service time on the line (Max{Tsi}), min/cycle; and w = number of workers.

21. What is the difference between the Largest candidate rule(LCR) and Kilbridge and Wester(K&W) method? In the largest candidate rule, the algorithm begins with the work elements listed in descending order of their time values, whereas in the Kilbridge and Wester method, the algorithm operates on the work elements listed according to their precedence order in the precedence diagram. 22. What are storage buffers and why are they sometimes used on a manual assembly line? A storage buffer is a location in the production line where work units are temporarily stored. As identified in the text, the reasons to include one or more storage buffers in a production line include: (1) to accumulate work units between two stages of the line when their production rates are different; (2) to smooth production between stations with large task time variations; and (3) to permit continued operation of certain sections of the line when other sections are temporarily down for service or repair. 23. Name three of the four conditions under which automated lines are appropriate 1) high product demand, (2) stable product design, (3) long product life, and (4) multiple operations are required to produce the product. 24. What is an automated production line? As defined in the text, an automated production line consists of multiple workstations that are automated and linked together by a work handling system that transfers parts from one station to the next. 25. What is a pallet fixture, as the term is used in the context of an automated production line? As defined in the text, a pallet fixture is a workholding device that is designed to (1) fixture the part in a precise location relative to its base and (2) be moved, located, and accurately clamped in position at successive workstations by the transfer system 26. What is a dial indexing machine? A dial-indexing machine is an automated system consisting of multiple workstations that process work parts attached to fixtures around the periphery of a circular worktable, and the table is indexed (rotated in fixed angular amounts) to position the parts at the stations 27. Why are continuous work transport systems uncommon on automated production lines? Continuous work transport systems are uncommon on automated lines due to the difficulty in providing accurate registration between the station workheads and the continuously moving parts. 28. Is a Geneva mechanism used to provide linear motion or rotary motion?

A Geneva mechanism provides rotary motion. It uses a continuously rotating driver to index the table through a partial rotation. If the driven member has six slots for a six station dial indexing table. each turn of the driver results in 1/6 rotation of the worktable or 60.The driver only cause the motion of the table through a portion of its own rotation. For a six-slotted Geneva, 120 degree of driver rotation is used to index the table. The remaining 240 degree of driver rotation is dwell time for the table, during which the processing operation must be completed on the work unit

29. As the number of workstation of an automated production line increases, does Line Efficiency (a)decrease, (b)increase, or (c)remain unaffected. In terms of automated production systems, line efficiency refers to the proportion of uptime on the line and is really a measure of reliability. Line efficiency is calculated as: E= Tc/Tp=Tc/Tc+FTd where Tc is ideal cycle time on the line Tp is the actual average production time F is the downtime frequency and F=np where n is the number of workstations and p is the possibility of failure on each workstation. (Here assume possibility of failure on all the workstations is equal) Td is average downtime per line stop, including the time required for the repair crew to initiate actions, determine the problem, fix it, and restart the line. Therefore, FTd is the downtime averaged on a per cycle basis Therefore, when workstation number increases, FTd will get increased, adversely, Line efficiency is decreased.

What is blocking on an automated production line? Blocking in an automated production line is the scenario encountered when a machine is prevented from performing its work cycle because it cannot pass the part just completed to the next workstation Name three of the four conditions under which automated assembly technology should be considered. 1- high product demand. 2- stable product design. 3- the assembly consists of no more than a limited number of components. 4- the product is designed for automated assembly. What are the four automated assembly system configurations?

1- in line assembly machine 2- dial type assembly machine 3- carousel assembly system 4- single station assembly machine

What are the typical components of a workstation parts delivery system. The typical components are (1) hopper, (2) parts feeder, (3) selector and/or orientor, (4) feed track, and (5) escapement and placement device.

1- Hopper that is container for part 2- Parts feeder that is used for removing part from hopper 3- Selector/ or Orientor that is used to assure part is in proper orientation for assembly at workhead 4- Feed track that is used to move parts to assembly workhead 5- Escapement and placement device that is used to remove work parts from feed track and place them at work station

1- Hopper 2- Parts feeder 3- Selector/ or Orientor 4- Feed track 5- Escapement and placement device

What is a programmable parts feeder? a programmable parts feeder is a feeder that is capable of feeding components of varying geometries with only a few minutes required to make the adjustments for the differences. Considering the assembly machine as a game of chance, what are the three possible events that might occur when the feed machanism attempts to feed the next component to the assembly workhead at a given workstation in a multi-station system?

The component is not defective. Defective but not causing the jam. DEfective and causing the station jam.

1. The component is defective and causes station jam 2. The component is defective but does not causes station jam 3. The component is not defective

Name some of the important performance measures for an automated assembly system. 1. Proportion of acceptable products that is also can be thought of as the yield of good assemblies produced by the assembly machine 2.machines production rate 3.Line efficiency 4.cost per unit produced. The last three measures are traditional ways that measures a production line or assembly line.

Why is the production rate inherently lower on a single-station assembly system than on a multistation assembly system? Rp=1 / Tp Tp=Tc+ i=1,nmiqi Td n: is the number of workstations q: reflects the probability that the component to be added during the current cycle is defective. M: probability that a defect results in jam at the station and Consequential stoppage of the line. Td: is the average downtime Thus, As the number of stations increases, uptime efficiency and production rate are adversely affected due to parts quality and station reliability effects

What are two reasons for the existence of partially automated assembly lines? 1- automation is introduced gradually on an existing manual line , 2- certain manual operations are too difficult or too costly to automate

What are the effects of poor quality parts, as represented by the fraction defect rate, on the performance of an automated assembly system?

Overall production will decrease.

Line efficeinecy will decrease and performance will decrease. Layoff time and per unit cost will increase.

When poor quality parts proportion increases, all of performance measures suffer. Production rate decreases, Yield of good assemblies decreases, Line efficiency decreases and cost of per unit increases Why are storage buffers used on partially automated assembly lines? Storage buffer provide a dramatic improvement in production rate and unit cost because storage buffers of sufficient capacity could make manual work stations work independently and consequently decreases downtime of assembly line. What is group technology? group technology is a manufacturing philosophy in which similar parts are identified and grouped together to take advantage of their similarities in design and production. An approach to manufacturing in which similar parts are identified and grouped together in order to take advantage of their similarities in design and production 1 Similarities among parts permit them to be classified into part families 2 In each part family, processing steps are similar 3 The improvement is typically achieved by organizing the production facilities into manufacturing cells that specialize in production of certain part families

What is cellular manufacturing? The machines in the group may be manually operated, semi-automatic, or fully automated. manually operated machine groups are often called machine cells, and the use of these cells in a factory is called cellular manufacturing. When the machines in the group are fully automated, with automated material handling between workstations. If an automated machine group is flexible, it is referred to as a flexible manufacturing system or flexible manufacturing cell. Group technology is a manufacturing philosophy in which similar parts are identified and grouped together to take advantage of their similarities in design and production. Similar parts are arranged into part/amities. where each part family possesses similar design and/or manufacturing characteristics. The efficiencies are generally achieved by arranging the production equipment into machine groups, or cells, to facilitate work flow. Grouping the production equipment into machine cells, where each cell specializes in the production of a part family is called cellular manufacturing. Cellular manufacturing is an example of mixed model production.

cellular manufacturing is an application of group technology in which dissimilar machines or processes have been aggregated into cells, each of which is dedicated to the production of a part or product family or a limited group of families. Application of group technology in which dissimilar machines or processes are aggregated into cells, each of which is dedicated to the production of a part family or limited group of families objectives: _ To shorten manufacturing lead times(by reducing set up, workpart handling, waiting time and batch sizes) _ To reduce WIP(smaller batch sizes and shorter lead times reduce work-in process) _ To improve quality(allowing each cell to specialize in producing a smaller number of different parts)

What are the production conditions under which group technology and cellular manufacturing are most applicable?

1. The plant currently uses traditional batch production and a process type layout 1) This results in much material handling effort, high inprocess inventory, and long manufacturing lead times 2. The parts can be grouped into part families 1) A necessary condition to apply group technology 2) Each machine cell is designed to produce a given part family, or a limited collection of part families, so it must be possible to group parts made in the plant into families What are the two major tasks that a company must undertake when it implements group technology? 1. Identifying the part families Reviewing all of the parts made in the plant and grouping them into part families is a substantial and time-consuming task 2. Rearranging production machines into GT cells It is time-consuming and costly to physically rearrange the machines into cells, and the machines are not producing during the changeover

What is a part family? A part family is a collection of parts that possess similarities in geometric shape and size, or in the processing steps used in their manufacture

What are the three methods for solving the problem of grouping parts into part families? 1. Visual inspection Using best judgment to group parts into appropriate families, based on the parts or photos of the parts 2. Parts classification and coding Identifying similarities and differences among parts and relating them by means of a coding scheme 3. Production flow analysis Using information contained on route sheets to classify parts What is the difference between a hierarchical structure and a chain-type structure in a classification and coding scheme? For Hierarchical structure Interpretation of each successive digit depends on the value of the preceding digit, whereas for chain-type structure, the successive digit has no dependence on previous digits and interpretation of each symbol is always the same What is production flow analysis? Production flow analysis is an approach to part family identification and machine cell formation. Production flow analysis (PFA) is a method for identifying part families and associated machine groupings that uses the information contained on production route sheets rather than on part drawings. Work parts with identical or similar routings are classified into part families. These families can then be used to form logical machine cells in a group technology layout. Since PFA uses manufacturing data rather than design data to identify part families, it can overcome two possible anomalies that can occur in parts classification and coding. First, parts whose basic geometries are quite different may nevertheless require similar or even identical process routings. Second, parts whose geometries are quite similar may nevertheless require process routings that are quite different. Productionflow analysis (PFA) isa method for identifying part families and associated machine groupings that uses the information contained production route sheets rather than on part drawings. What are the typical objectives when implementing cellular manufacturing? 1. To shorten manufacturing lead times(by reducing set up, workpart handling, waiting time and batch sizes) 2. To reduce WIP(smaller batch sizes and shorter lead times reduce work-in process)

3. To improve quality(allowing each cell to specialize in producing a smaller number of different parts) 4. To simplify production scheduling (at the cell level rather than at the machine shop level) 5. To reduce setup times(group tooling, group fixturing)

What is the composite part concept, as the term is applied in group technology? It is a hypothetical part that includes all of the design and manufacturing attributes of the part family. The individual part, in the family will have some of the features that characterize the family, but not necessarily all of them. It is a hypothetical part that includes all of the design and manufacturing attributes of the part family. The individual part, in the family will have some of the features that characterize the family, but not necessarily all of them. What are the four GT cell configurations ? 1. Single machine Cell. 2. Group machine cell with manual handling 3. Group machine cell with semi-integrated handling. 4. Flexible manufacturing cell or system What is the key machine concept in cellular manufacturing? The key machine concept is used to plan the GT machine cell. The approach is to decide what parts should be processed through the key machine and then determine what supporting machines are required to complete the processing of those parts. Key machine is relatively expensive machine in the machine cell and that performs certain critical operations on the part type. What is the difference between a virtual machine cell and a formal machine cell. Virtual machine cells involve the creation of part families and the dedication of equipment to the manufacture of these part families, but without the physical rearrangement of machines into formal cells. The machines in the virtual cell remain in their original locations in the factory. Formal machine cells represent the conventional GT approach in which a group of dissimilar machines are physically relocated into a cell that is dedicated to the production of one or a limited set of a part.

What is the principal application of group technology in product design? The principal application of GT in design is to implement a design retrieval system that reduces part proliferation. What is the application of rank order clustering?

It is applicable in production flow analysis. It is an algorithm to group machines into cells.

1.For each row i compute the number 2.Order rows according to descending numbers previously computed

3.For each column p compute the number 4.Order columns according to descending numbers previously computed 5.If on steps 2 and 4 no reordering happened go to step 6, otherwise go to step 1 6.Stop
The rank order clustering technique is specifically applicable in production flow analysis. It is an efficient and easy-to-use algorithm for grouping machines into cells.

Name three production situations in which FMS technology can be applied.

(1)Presently, the plant either produces parts in batches or uses manned GT cells and management wants to automate. (2) It must be possible to group a portion of the parts made in the plant into part families, whose similarities permit them to be processed on the machines in the flexible manufacturing system. (3) The parts or products made by the facility are in the mid-volume, mid-variety production range. The appropriate production volume range is 5000 to 75,000 parts per year.

The situations are similar to those identified for cellular manufacturing. They are the following: (1) Presently, the plant either produces parts in batches or uses manned GT cells and management wants to automate. (2) It must be possible to group a portion of the parts made in the plant into part families, whose similarities permit them to be processed on the machines in the flexible manufacturing system. (3) The parts or products made by the facility are in the midvolume, mid-variety production range. The situations are similar to those identified for cellular manufacturing. They are the following: (1) Presently, the plant either produces parts in batches or uses manned GT cells and management wants to automate. (2) It must be possible to group a portion of the parts made in the plant into part families, whose similarities permit them to be processed on the machines in the flexible manufacturing system. (3) The parts or products made by the facility are in the mid-volume, mid-variety production range. The appropriate production volume range is 5000 to 75,000 parts per year.

What is a flexible manufacturing system? A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a highly automated GT machine cell, consisting of a group of processing workstations (usually CNC machine tools), interconnected by an automated material handling and storage system, and controlled by a distributed computer system. The reason the FMS is called flexible is that it is capable of processing a variety of different part styles simultaneously at the various workstations, and the mix of part styles and quantities of production can be adjusted in response to changing demand patterns. What are the three capabilities that a manufacturing system must process in order to be flexible?

The system's ability to be changed to produce new product types, and ability to change the order of operations executed on a part. The ability to use multiple machines to perform the same operation on a part, as well as the system's ability to absorb large-scale changes, such as in volume, capacity, or capability.

The three capabilities that a manufacturing system must possess in order to be flexible are (1) the ability to identify and distinguish among the different incoming part or product

styles processed by the system, (2) quick changeover of operating instructions, and (3) quick changeover of physical setup. Name the four tests of flexibility that a manufacturing system must satisfy in order to be classified as flexible. Part variety test. Can the system process different part styles in a non-batch mode (2) Schedule change test. Can the system readily accept changes in production schedule: changes in either part mix or production quantities (3) Error recovery test. Can the system recovergracefully from equipment malfunctions and breakdowns, so that production is not completely disrupted (4)New part test.

The four tests of flexibility that a manufacturing system must satisfy in order to be classified as flexible are the following: (1) Part variety test. Can the system process different part styles in a non-batch mode? (2) Schedule change test. Can the system readily accept changes in production schedule: changes in either part mix or production quantities? (3) Error recovery test. Can the system recover gracefully from equipment malfunctions and breakdowns, so that production is not completely disrupted? (4)New part test. Can new part designs be introduced into the existing product mix with relative ease? What is the dividing line between a flexible manufacturing cell(FMC) and a flexible manufacturing system(FMS), in terms of the number of workstaions in the system? A flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) consists of two or three processing workstations (typically CNC machining centers or turning centers) plus a part handling system. The part handling system is connected to a load/unload station. In addition, the handling system usually includes a limited parts storage capacity.A flexible manufacturing cell satisfies the four flexibility tests . A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) has four or more processing workstations connected mechanically by a common part handling system and electronically by a distributed computer system. Thus, the dividing line between an FMS and an FMC is the number of machines: an FMC has two or three machines, while an FMS has four or more. What is the difference between a dedicated FMS and a random-order FMS? Primary handling system establishes basic FMS layout Secondary handling system - functions:

_ Transfers work from primary handling system to workstations _ Position and locate part with sufficient accuracy and repeatability for the operation _ Reorient part to present correct surface for processing _ Buffer storage to maximize machine utilization

A dedicated FMS is designed to produce a limited variety of part styles, and the complete universe of parts to be made on the system is known in advance. By comparison, a random-order FMS is more flexible and is more appropriate when the part family is large, there are substantial variations in part configurations, there will be new part designs introduced into the system and engineering changes in parts currently produced, and the production schedule is subject to change from day to day. What are the four basic components of a flexible manufacturing system(FMS)?

Work stations Automated material handling and storage system computer control system

(1) workstations, (2) material handling and storage system, (3) computer control system, and (4) people who are required to manage and operate the system What are three of the five functions of the material handling and storage system in a flexible manufacturing system(FMS)?

(1) random, independent movement of work parts between stations; (2) handling of a variety of work part configurations; (3) temporary storage; (4) convenient access for loading and unloading work parts; and (5) compatibility with computer control. What is the difference between the primary and secondary handling systems in FMS?

The primary handling system establishes the basic layout of the FMS and is responsible for moving parts between stations in the system, whereas the secondary handling system consists of

transfer devices,automatic pallet changers, and similar mechanisms located at the workstations in the FMS. The function of the secondary handling system is to transfer work from the primary system to the workstation and to position parts with sufficient accuracy and repeatability to perform the processing or assembly operation.

Name four of the five categories of layout configurations that are found in a flexible manufacturing system(FMS)

(1) in-line layout, (2) loop layout, (3) ladder layout, (4)open field layout, and (5) robot-centered layout Name four of the seven functions performed human resources in an FMS.

(1) loading raw workparts into the system, (2) unloading finished parts (or assemblies) from the system, (3) changing and setting tools, (4) equipment maintenance and repair, (5) NC part programming, (6) programming and operating the computer system, and (7) overall management of the system. (1) loading raw workparts into the system, (2) unloading finished parts (or assemblies) from the system, (3) changing and setting tools, (4) equipment maintenance and repair

What are the four benefits that can be expected from a successful FMS installation?

(1) increased machine utilization, (2) fewer machines required to accomplish the same amount of work, (3) reduction in factory floor space required, (4) greater responsiveness to change .