Abstract
This paper describes AIMS which is a flexible manufacturing system, formally opened at Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, in January 1986, for the production of aero engine turbine and compressor discs. These are the high-value, rotating components which require structural integrity together with a high degree of precision during the manufacturing process. The prime objective for the project was to reduce the value of work-in-progress to an extent which would enable cost savings in the inventory to finance the project in its first full year of operation. The paper details its concept strategy and examines the equipment requirements, justification and benefits of the capital investment. It also describes planning and implementation aspects, together with computer hardware/software support.
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