Optimization of a cellular structure in flexible manufacturing system

Abstract

Cellular manufacturing is considered to be an organizational approach for manufacturing parts with similar processing requirements in machine cells. Among the various approaches to the cell formation problem clustering techniques based on similrity index such as, the Single Linkage Clustering Algorithm, the Average Linkage Clustering Algorithm, the Weighted Linkage Clustering Algorithm are widely used. In the present work, a mathematical model has been developed for a cellular manufacturing structure. The model considers both the machines and parts similarity together to minimize the total cost of the system. The cost elements considered are tool cost, machine amortization cost and processing cost. The model is a binary linear program. The model has been solved using LP relaxation and a heuristic algorithm. The heuristic algorithm has been developed based on similarity index and it minimizes the total cost of the system. A few test problems are solved, using both the methods and the results are compared. The heuristic algorithm produces a good solution and takes much less computational time compared to LP approach