A Scheduling Heuristic For Enhancing Effectiveness Of Machining-Centers With A Multiple APC: Case Study

• The paper presents a heuristic for scheduling jobs on a machining-center with a multiple-pallets automatic pallet charger (APC). The model is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the machining-center through minimizing the total weighted-tardiness of jobs. The multiple-pallet APC allows multiple-setups and a more flexible sequencing of jobs. The proposed heuristic is tested on scheduling jobs on various horizontal machining-centers for manufacturing pump castings at Växjöfabriken Company located in Växjö, Sweden. Machining-centers include MAZAK H400, MAZAK H500, and OKUMA MA600. Results obtained from the study show a 23% to 100% reduction in expected tardiness of jobs compared to that obtained using the company’s scheduling policy. The proposed model is flexible, adjustable, and expandable. Effective scheduling ensures high availability, high level of utilization, and increased productivity.

Nyckelord

Effectiveness

Machining-center

APC; Scheduling

Weighted-tardiness

Shop-floor

Mechanical Engineering

Maskinteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)