Browsing by Author "Mgwatu, Mussa Iddi"

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    Planning of flexible manufacturing systems based on integrated part selection, machine loading and machining optimisation decisions
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Mgwatu, Mussa Iddi
    The decisions of part selection and machine loading problems in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) may not be effective because they often lead to unbalanced workloads. This thesis presents the formulation of throughput, production-cost and makespan models using a three-stage methodology to come up with integrated decisions of part selection, machine loading and machining optimisation problems and try to balance the workload in random FMS. Computational experiments were designed for analysis and validation of models using industrial, empirical and machining handbook data. The results showed that all formulated models are feasible and the decisions of the integrated part selection, machine loading and machining optimisation problems can be made for the FMS while balancing the workload. Although workloads were balanced, idle times were still observed in the FMS. The available machine time and tooling budget were both significant to throughput and production cost at 99% levels. The available machine time was significant to makespan at 99% level while the tooling budget was insignificant to makespan. Test data conformed to a normal probability distribution at more than 95% interval for all models. The proposed models can be easily adopted and implemented for manufacturing shop floors. The future research extensions include the consideration of material handling problem, handling of stochastic conditions such as machine breakdown, and dealing with dynamic situations where parameters may change over time.