Modeling, Analysis, and Design Issues of a Computerized Manufacturing System with a Closed Loop Conveyor (Optimal Planning of Computerized Manufacturing Systems, Report No. 11)

摘要

Simulation of the Ingersoll-Rand Heavy Machine Center (HMC) (a computerized manufacturing system with a closed loop conveyor), analysis of design issues, and development of a direction toward rational design and production planning for the HMC are described. Computerized manufacturing systems produce parts with material handling functions, machine operations, and machine tools under control of a computer. The simulation program was applied to eight design issues relating to HMC. These issues included entry of parts into the empty system, general parts entry into the system, the effect of different parts to machine selection models, the number of parts allowed to be active simultaneously, the result of increasing the number of machines, and the effect of different part mixes. Analysis shows that substantial improvements in system productivity can be achieved by implementing prescribed computer software and operator process controls. Critical path scheduling techniques are described and policies outlined which give the process the flexibility needed to yield higher and more closely balanced machine utilizations.