Saving Tool Cost in Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Optimal Processing Times and Routing Mix

유연생산시스템에서 절삭공구 비용절감을 위한 가공시간과 경로배합 최적화

Tool costs can comprise a significant part of the total operating costs of Flexible Manufacturing Systems. We address the problem of determining the optimal processing times of individual operations and routing mix in FMSs with multiple routes for each part type in order to minimize tool cost, subject to meeting a throughput constraint for each part type. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear program superimposed on a closed queueing network of the FMSs under consideration. Numerical examples reveal the potential of our approach for significant saving in tool costs.