Selection of process plans in automated manufacturing systems

Most of the planning models for automated manufacturing systems are based on the assumption that for each part there is only one process plan available. A more realistic point of view is taken that for each part a number of different process plans are generated, each of which may require specific types of tools and auxiliary devices such as fixtures, grippers, and feeders. A model for the selection of a set of process plans with the minimum corresponding manufacturing cost and minimal number of tools and auxiliary devices is formulated. The developed model for m parts is equivalent to the problem of finding the maximum clique in an m-partite graph with the minimum corresponding cost. Heuristic algorithms and numerical results are discussed.>