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

Citation
S. Rahimifard et St. Newman, Machine loading algorithms for the elimination of tardy jobs in flexible batch machining applications, J MATER PR, 107(1-3), 2000, pp. 450-458
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Material Science & Engineering
Journal title
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
ISSN journal
09240136 → ACNP
Volume
107
Issue
1-3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
450 - 458
Database
ISI
SICI code
0924-0136(20001122)107:1-3<450:MLAFTE>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
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.