Minimizing the number of tool switches on a flexible machine: an experimental study

Tool switching heuristics determine the sequence for the parts and the asso ciated sequence for the tools for the tool magazine so that the total numbe r of tool switches is minimized. This paper examines whether there is a nee d for tool switching heuristics in industry and assesses the validity and u sefulness of current approaches. Studies that have tested the performance o f tool switching heuristics are examined and their flaws highlighted. The r esearch then goes on to test the heuristics on a much broader range of prob lems using a rigorous framework. The results reveal which heuristics perfor m more robustly than others and link the performance of different heuristic s to different problem types.