Component allocation and job sequencing for two series-connected SMD placement machines

The problem of component allocation and sequencing PCB assembly jobs for tw o series-connected SMD placement machines is addressed. With the allocation of components, a balancing of the workload per PCB for the two machines sh ould be achieved. Furthermore, when switching from one type of PCB to anoth er, setup times must be considered. Two heuristic procedures are developed and tested in extensive numeric analyses of a number of realistic case mode ls. The problem examined and the database used represent a concrete case of an industrial application in which very diversified small jobs are to be p rocessed.