A heuristic approach to scheduling jobs in machining centres equipped with automated pallet changers

摘要

We present a heuristic algorithm for scheduling jobs in a machining centre equipped with multiple-pallet automated pallet changers (APCs). The algorithm dynamically adjusts the number of pallets used and the priority of each job to minimise the total weighted tardiness. The algorithm was evaluated based on a study conducted at Vaxjofabriken, a metal-casting company located in Vaxjo, Sweden. Results obtained from this study show more than a 40% reduction in the total weighted tardiness of the overall machining park.