Concept to Support the Flexibility of Manufacturing System through Reconfigurable Structure Based on Modular Design

Abstract

This article deals about the challenges of structural changes in manufacturing conditions. The objective of this paper is to present the modular workstations concept based on miniaturization and re-configurability trends. The article is aimed at problems of designing of production systems with a modular construction structure. The modular structure allows an individual and flexible adaptation to varying requirements but also the realization of low-cost solutions for creation of new or modernized production base. The goal is to present the example of modular workstations solutions that correspond with new designing approach. The specification of basics principles, which should help to designing flexible manufacturing systems, discussed in this paper are: modularity; integrability; convertibility; diagnosability; customization. The theoretical part provides an overview of fundamental design principles in manufacturing structures. In the first part of this article are discussed the specification of basic flexibility types in production system and the main impacts influencing design of manufacturing structures. The closing section of the article provides the specification of example solution of adjustable production platform with modular frame (called desktop factory).