METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING CASTINGS UTILIZING AN AUTOMATED FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

摘要

A method and system for generating a production sequence for the control of resources and production for metal castings of a manufacturing plant. The system employs a transport system to transfer the castings between a series of processing stations, which could include heat treatment, quenching, decoring, demolding, cleaning, machining, inspection, storage, etc., served by the transport system. A series of guided vehicles moving along the transport carry the castings between the processing stations. Each guided vehicle includes an identifier monitored by a controller to direct the castings to the next required processing station according to a predetermined production sequence for the castings thereon.