A SIMULATION STUDY OF FMS TOOL ALLOCATION PROCEDURES

Allocating the required tools to meet the cutting needs of component p arts and products is an important element of FMS production planning. This research describes three heuristics that can be used to allocate tools to an FMS. The three heuristic procedures are then evaluated, th rough a simulation study, for an FMS that processes a low part type mi x (10) and a high part type mix (25). Results indicate that a tool all ocation approach that aims at full utilization of the tool magazine ca pacity produces better FMS performance than an approach that seeks to minimize the frequency of tool changes. An approach that aims at combi ning both minimal tool changes at the machines and greater tool magazi ne utilization will be even more beneficial, especially if the cost of tool changes is high relative to capacity utilization.