Simulation and Modeling of Fuel Tank Assembly and ProcessAnalysis for Line Performance Improvement

摘要

Simulation models are used for analyzing system behavior and performances. This paper presents modeling andsimulation of fuel tank assembly line for performance improvement. The assembly line total throughput issignificantly less than the required/estimated throughput. System simulation is used for modeling the assemblyprocess and determined opportunities for improvement in the process for possible causes of the starvations andblockages. Alternative modeling scenarios to the assembly process are proposed to address and improve systemthroughput. The simulation model was verified with historical performance. Blockages are observed at differentstations: FDM, Robotic inspection, and HLT stations. FDM station maximum queue size had significant impact onreducing the number of rejected parts. Increase to robotic inspection maximum queue size had no impact in theperformances. Increasing HLT station maximum queue size had the most significant impact. The alternative modelshows a nineteen percent increase in system throughput. Manufacturing intelligence will be added for further analysis.