Abstract
In this paper, a Markovian model is constructed to test a flexible manufacturing cell’s (FMC) performance. The considered FMC includes a conveyer belt, robot, and n machines. The conveyer belt delivers the working part to the robot, and the robot picks it up and loads it onto the machines. The movement of a working part from one step to the next depends on the availability of the tool in the next step (i.e., conveyer belt, robot, and machine). Any machine is assumed to potentially fail during the processing time as a result of high loading stresses. First, a Markovian model is constructed for single-machine and double-machine FMCs. Then, a generalized FMC with an n-machine is constructed. The introduced model is illustrated with two numerical examples for both the single- and triple-machine. The Markov chain model can be used to estimate the FMC performance measures (i.e., overall utilization of machines and production rate). It is used to analyze the response of these measures under varying parameters (i.e., conveyor belt delivery rate, robot loading rate, processing rate of a machine, failure rate of a machine, and down machines’ repairing rate). Moreover, an economic model based on the Markov chain model is introduced to analyze the FMC’s net profit under these varying parameters.
Highlights
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) consist of automated machines that perform different operations and produce different products with a material handling system and a centralized computer system to control the system [1, 2]
The model can help provide an exact estimation of two flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) performance measures, the overall machine(s) utilization (OAMU) and the production rate (PR)
The model can be used to study the precise trend when changing each parameter of the performance measure; this is very important for industries equipped with FMCs in the design stage
Summary
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) consist of automated machines that perform different operations and produce different products with a material handling system and a centralized computer system to control the system [1, 2]. Aldaihani and Savsar [23] presented a Markov chain model for FMC that consists of a pair of machines and a specified handling system. The model was used to determine the performance of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) under variable operational conditions, including random machining times, random loading and unloading times, and random pallet transfer times. Aldaihani and Savsar [25] extended their research in 2005 by providing another Markov chain model; this model includes failure and repairing rates of the machines. They presented another stochastic model for the FMC that consisted of a pair of machines, robots, and a specified handling system. Numerical solutions and economic analysis FMCs are conducted to optimize the different parameters and indicate their impact on the economy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
