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What does a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) include?

  1. Manual operation stations

  2. A group of NC processing stations

  3. Standalone machining operations

  4. Only material storage systems

The correct answer is: A group of NC processing stations

A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) is designed to adapt quickly to changes in the type and quantity of production. It typically includes a group of numerically controlled (NC) processing stations that work together in an integrated manner. These processing stations can be programmed to manufacture a variety of parts with minimal downtime for reconfiguration. The focus on a group of NC processing stations highlights the ability of FMS to perform multiple tasks and handle multiple product varieties without significant manual intervention. This interconnectedness enables efficient production flows, flexibility in manufacturing, and optimized resource utilization. In contrast, manual operation stations and standalone machining operations do not provide the same level of flexibility or integration that defines an FMS. Additionally, only material storage systems do not encompass the processing capabilities that are central to a Flexible Manufacturing System. Thus, understanding the importance of NC processing stations is key to grasping how FMS improves manufacturing efficiency and versatility.