Design and application of reconfigurable manufacturing systems in agile mass customization manufacturing environment.

Abstract

Manufacturing companies are faced with the challenge of unpredictable, high frequency market changes in both local and international markets. There is a need for greater, more effective responsiveness by manufacturers to change their manufacturing processes. Many manufacturing techniques are based on the principles of Flexible Manufacturing and Dedicated Manufacturing for mass production. Reconfigurable Manufacturing System, (RMS), is a manufacturing system that can provide for Agile Manufacturing, (AM). This has lead to research on the concept, design and equipment implementation for RMS. RMS requires three key capabilities: rapid changeover between products, rapid introduction to new products and unattended operation. The relationship between these manufacturing techniques has been investigated. Research has been focused on the design of Reconfigurable Modular Machine, (RMM), for RMS. The research has addressed the design of subsystems for RMM by using the generic modular mechatronic control. This approach includes modular machine controller hardware, software, mechanical design and generic “plug-and-play” capability. These design of subsystems allowed for rapid reconfiguration of RMS that increased system efficiency and significantly minimized manufacturing change over downtime