A flexible production line is a production line that connects multiple adjustable machine tools (mostly special-purpose machine tools) and is equipped with an automatic conveying device. It relies on computer management and combines multiple production modes, thereby reducing production costs and making the best use of everything.

　　Composition

　　In terms of the flexible production line in the machinery manufacturing industry, its basic components are:

　　1. Automatic processing system

　　The automatic processing system refers to a system based on group technology that concentrates parts with similar external dimensions (the shapes do not have to be exactly the same), similar weights, the same materials, and similar processes on one or several CNC machine tools or special-purpose machine tools for processing.

　　2. Logistics system

　　The logistics system refers to a system composed of various transportation devices, such as conveyors, track - turntables, and manipulators, etc., which completes the supply and transportation of workpieces, tools, etc. It is the main component of the flexible production line.

　　3. Information system

　　The information system refers to a system that collects, processes, and feeds back various information required in the processing and transportation processes, and implements hierarchical control of machine tools or transportation equipment through electronic computers or other control devices (hydraulic, pneumatic devices, etc.).

　　4. Software system

　　The software system refers to an indispensable component for ensuring the effective management of the flexible production line by electronic computers. It includes software for design, planning, production control, and system supervision. The flexible production line is suitable for small - to - medium - batch production with an annual output between 1,000 and 100,000 pieces.

　　Advantages

　　The flexible production line is a technically complex and highly automated system that organically combines technologies such as microelectronics, computers, and systems engineering, and ideally and satisfactorily solves the contradiction between high automation and high flexibility in mechanical manufacturing. The specific advantages are as follows.

　　1. High equipment utilization rate: After a group of machine tools are incorporated into the flexible production line, the output is several times higher than that when these machine tools operate independently in a decentralized manner.

　　2. The work - in - process is reduced by about 80%.

　　3. Relatively stable production capacity: The automatic processing system consists of one or more machine tools. When a fault occurs, it has the ability to operate at a reduced level, and the material conveying system also has the ability to bypass the faulty machine tool by itself.

　　4. High product quality: During the processing of parts, loading and unloading are completed at one time, with high processing accuracy and stable processing forms.

　　5. Flexible operation: In some flexible production lines, the inspection, clamping, and maintenance work can be completed in the first shift, and the second and third shifts can produce normally without human supervision. In an ideal flexible production line, its monitoring system can also handle unexpected problems during operation, such as tool wear replacement and material flow blockage clearance.

　　6. Strong product adaptability: The tools, fixtures, and material transportation devices are adjustable, and the system layout is reasonable, which facilitates the addition or reduction of equipment to meet market needs [2].