Automation And Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

Michael Ma     December 18, 2020 

For modern manufacturers, high-end CNC machine tools are only part of the solution. True competitiveness comes from connecting machines, materials and data into an efficient, automated flow. At PMT, automation and flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are a core extension of our CNC machining centers and 5 Axis CNC Machine platforms, enabling customers to move from stand-alone production to smart, flexible manufacturing.

From Single Machine to Integrated System

Many factories begin with individual CNC machining centers or turning machines and soon face new challenges: increasing order variety, shorter lead times, labor constraints and rising quality requirements. PMT’s automation and FMS solutions are designed to solve exactly these issues.

Based on the customer’s current equipment and production targets, we transform groups of machines into integrated machining cells or complete lines. Workpieces, fixtures, tools and information are organized and managed in a coordinated way, allowing uninterrupted production with minimal manual intervention.

Pallet Systems for High-Mix, High-Precision Production

Pallet systems are often the first step toward flexible manufacturing. PMT designs and supplies pallet pools and pallet changers that work seamlessly with our horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers and 5 Axis CNC Machine platforms.

Key benefits include:

  • Unmanned machining during nights and weekends by preparing multiple workpieces on pallets in advance
  • Fast changeover between different jobs without re-clamping, improving accuracy and reducing setup time
  • Centralized pallet management, where each pallet carries a defined program, tools and machining strategy

For aerospace, mold & die and precision engineering customers running small to medium batch sizes, pallet systems dramatically increase spindle utilization and shorten delivery times.

Robotic Loading and Unloading

To reduce manual handling and improve safety, PMT integrates robots and gantry systems for automatic loading and unloading of workpieces. These systems can be applied to CNC machining centers, CNC turning machines, gear machining machines and grinding machines.

Our robotic automation solutions provide:

  • Consistent, repeatable loading that protects part quality
  • Flexible gripping solutions for different part families
  • Integration with vision systems or identification codes for automatic part recognition
  • Synchronization with machine status and production schedules through the cell controller

With robotic handling, operators can focus on higher-value tasks such as process optimization, quality inspection and tooling management.

Automated Production Lines and FMS

For customers requiring continuous, high-throughput production, PMT designs complete automated production lines and flexible manufacturing systems. These solutions typically combine:

  • CNC machining centers and 5 Axis CNC Machine cells
  • CNC turning machines and gear machining machines
  • Grinding or finishing machines
  • Pallet systems, conveyors, AGVs or transfer lines
  • Robots, gantries and part storage systems
  • Centralized line control and production management software

In a PMT FMS, workpieces can be dispatched to any available machine according to priority, tool availability and process status. This flexibility allows the system to handle multiple part numbers in parallel, balancing load automatically and maximizing machine utilization.

Special-Purpose Machines and Custom Cells

Many industries have unique processes that cannot be fully addressed by standard machine tools. Drawing on our strong R&D and in-house manufacturing, PMT designs special-purpose machines and customized automation cells for tasks such as:

  • Dedicated shaft or gear machining sequences
  • Integrated machining + measurement + cleaning stations
  • Combined operations for specific automotive, energy or hydraulic components
  • Automatic assembly and testing cells connected to machining operations

These special-purpose machines are engineered to work as part of a larger automated line, using compatible controls, safety systems and communication protocols.

Smart Manufacturing and Data Connectivity

Automation and FMS at PMT are not limited to mechanical handling. We place strong emphasis on digital connectivity and intelligent control:

  • Centralized cell controllers coordinate machines, robots, pallets and tools
  • Production monitoring systems track status, OEE, cycle times and alarms in real time
  • Data interfaces allow integration with MES, ERP and quality systems
  • Tool and fixture management ensures the right resources are available for each job, reducing downtime and scrap

By combining smart software with robust mechanical automation, PMT enables customers to move towards Industry 4.0 and smart factory concepts with practical, step-by-step implementation.

Industry Applications and Benefits

PMT automation and FMS solutions are applied in a wide range of industries:

  • Automotive and commercial vehicles – engine, gearbox, axle and chassis components produced on highly automated lines
  • Aerospace and energy – titanium and high-strength alloy parts machined on flexible 5 Axis CNC Machine cells with pallet systems
  • Construction machinery and general engineering – heavy components handled by gantries, conveyors and customized fixtures
  • Powder metallurgy and precision components – automated pressing, machining and finishing processes linked into continuous flows

Across these sectors, customers experience clear benefits:

  • Higher spindle utilization and line productivity
  • Reduced labor intensity and dependency on manual loading
  • More stable and predictable product quality
  • Shorter lead times and better responsiveness to order changes
  • Lower overall manufacturing cost per part
A Partner for Long-Term Automation Development

Implementing automation and FMS is a strategic step. PMT supports customers through every phase—from early feasibility studies and ROI analysis, through design and manufacturing, to installation, training and long-term service.

Because we design both the machine tools and the automation systems, we can optimize the entire solution as one integrated platform. Customers gain a reliable partner capable of expanding and upgrading their systems as production requirements evolve.


With automation and flexible manufacturing systems built around PMT CNC machining centers and 5 Axis CNC Machine platforms, manufacturers can move beyond traditional production and enter a new stage of high-efficiency, intelligent and flexible machining.

Michael Ma

Michael Ma serves as the Marketing Director and Technical Engineer at PMT (Chengdu Precise CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd.). He is a versatile leader in the high-end machine tool industry, combining strategic market insight with profound technical expertise. With a deep understanding of global industry trends and practical machining challenges, he is dedicated to translating PMT’s advanced technologies into tangible competitive advantages and enhanced productivity for customers. Michael excels at building synergistic bridges between technological innovation and market demands. Not only is he proficient in the technical details and process parameters of core products such as milling centers, but he…

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