Integrated Models for Cellular Manufacturing with Alternate Process Plans and Machining Economics

Abstract

The existing methods solve cell design problem independently of machining economics problems, although the selection of process parameters and formation of machine cells are very related. When designing cellular manufacturing in the presence of alternative process plans, it is necessary to consider the different operation variables such as machine and tool specifications that may have an influence on production cost or production time. This paper considers the design of cellular manufacturing systems in the presence of alternative process plans by taking into account process variables. The paper proposes integrated models to solve the machining economics problem and cellular manufacturing simultaneously to investigate the effect of process parameters on determining cells and their associated part families. The objective is to minimize total production costs and investment in a cellular manufacturing system environment. The usefulness of the proposed models is that it provides a lower cost solution than separate models for solving the above mentioned problems. Numerical examples and sensitivity analysis are presented to demonstrate the models developed.