The optimum average lot size in split automatic transfer lines.

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the modelling of split automatic transfer lines in which two types of jobs are manufactured and the setup is required in a common operation stage, and analyze the effects of average lot sizes, average setup times and buffer storage capacities on the line production rate. From the numerical analysis, it is shown that the average lot size has the opposite effect on the decrease of the production rates caused by the split interference and by the setup, and that there exists an optimum average lot size yielding the maximum production rate. Furthermore, we analyze the upper limit of the rate yielded in the lines with no split interference, and using the limit and another limit, i. e. the production rate yielded in the line with no setup, we estimate the optimum average lot size.