A Model for Computer-Aided Process Planning System in Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Most of computer-aided process planning(CAPP) systems have been developed to automate the process planning function. In this paper, we describe an analytical model for a CAPP system in order to improve the performance of production system in flexible manufacturing systems(FMSs) for computer intergrated manufacturing(CIM) architecture. This paper proposes an optimal process planning that minimizes the load time by minimizing the cycle time and the number of workstations using Kang and Hahm's heuristic approach so as to improve the performance of production system under the batch production of discrete products. We also perform simulation using SIMAN language to campare the line utilization of each for various product types. The proposed algorithm can be implemented in existing FMSs for on-line control of product quantity using programmable logic controllers(PLC) and communication devices.