Parallel batch processing machines scheduling for SLM additive manufacturing in cloud manufacturing

For the scheduling problem of parallel batch processing machines for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) additive manufacturing in cloud manufacturing environments, an Improved Discrete Artificial Bee Colony algorithm(IABC) is proposed by considering the service time of the product as well as introducing the mathematical model of the problem. Firstly, a population initialization strategy is introduced to improve the quality of initial solutions and accelerate the convergence of the population.Secondly, through three neighborhood search operators, the transition from the original nectar source to the new nectar source is achieved for employed bees and following bees. Furthermore, a local search strategy and a modified abandonment pattern are proposed to increase population diversity and prevent the algorithm from falling into local optima.Finally, the performance of the algorithm is analyzed, and the IABC algorithm was applied to 36 examples. The effectiveness and advantages of IABC in solving the studied problem are verified through a large number of simulation experiments.