Design and evaluation of a flexible manufacturing system for small prismatic components

Abstract Flexible Manufacturing Systems effectively meet the conflicting requirements of higher productivity and flexibility needed in a manufacturing system to meet the demands of present day's changing market environment. However, the decision for implementation has to be backed up by detailed analysis of techno-economic feasibility. Such an analysis will provide an insight to the buyer on various aspects of the system and will enable him to interact more efectively with the vendors during the system design, system shakedown and eventually, in running of the system efficiently. This article outlines the methodology adopted in design and evaluation of a system through the use of tailor made package.