Tool management in flexible manufacturing systems

SUMMARY Keyword : FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS In this study, one of the major performance criteria, tool management systems which affects the system performance greatly has been designed. The clustering algorithm which is used widely for grouping parts is also used for clustering tools and parts. The two tool assignment strategies which are full clustering and differential clustering strategies have been applied for issuing tools. The experimental applications have been carried out in 4, 6 and 8 machine cells, with 10 and 20 component batch size, for measuring cell performance. The software environment is Lotus 123. IX