Combinatorial techniques to optimally customize an automated production line with rotary transfer and turrets

Abstract

A problem of design of complex automated production lines with rotary transfer and turrets is considered. Operations are partitioned into groups that are performed by spindle heads or by turrets. Constraints related to the design of spindle heads, turrets, and working positions, as well as precedence constraints related to operations, are given. The problem consists of minimizing the estimated cost of this automated production line, while reaching a given cycle time and satisfying all constraints. Two methods are proposed to solve the problem. The first uses a mixed-integer programming formulation of the problem. The second method is based on its reduction to a constrained shortest path problem. An industrial example is presented.