The paradigm of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) is still relatively new in implementation, even though research into the subject has been ongoing for over 15 years. Many supporting technologies are needed to make RMSs feasible, including the addition of flexible fixturing. This paper investigates and discusses the effect of adding flexible fixturing to the reconfigurable paradigm, and proposes solutions to problems that are inherent in RMSs and in the addition of flexible fixturing.
OPSOMMING
Die paradigma van herkonfigureerbare vervaardigingstelsels (HVS)is nog relatief nuut in implementering, selfs al is navorsing hieroor vir meer as 15 jaar aan die gang. Baie ondersteunende tegnologieë is nodig om die HVS lewensvatbaar te maak, onder andere die toevoeging van buigsame montering. Hierdie artikel ondersoek en bespreek die effek wat die toevoeging van buigsame montering op die herkonfigureerbare paradigma het en stel oplossings vir probleme wat inherent aan HVS en die toevoeging van buigsame montering is, voor.