Machine loading algorithms for the elimination of tardy jobs in flexible batch machining applications

In the last two decades there has been a significant shift in manufacturing requirements from productivity towards flexibility, with flexible machinin g facilities constituting a fundamental part of production systems within m any manufacturing companies. Traditionally in such facilities, the processi ng of large batches has been the most economic method of production. Howeve r, due to the pressures of modem manufacturing, the concept of splitting la rge batches across identical machines to achieve rapid delivery dates has b ecome a common practice in the metalworking industry. This splitting of bat ches across machines significantly increases production costs through the d uplication of set-ups, fixtures and cutting tools. The research reported in this paper investigates the application of a number of novel machine loadi ng policies, termed 'combined machine loading' which aim to meet the delive ry dates of production orders, and at the same time reduce the manufacturin g cost. These machine loading policies are evaluated using a series of comp uter based experiments. The results from these experiments are reported in the latter parts of the paper. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.