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SimFML
2001-2004: Automatic Design & Optimisation of Manufacturing Systems
This research programme, rated Tending to Internationally Leading, involved two EPSRC funded projects, ie IMI EPSRC SimFML - Responsive Design & Operation of Flexible Machining Lines (GR/N05871) and the RAIS - Responsive Design and Operation of Flexible Machining Lines (GR/S77127/01). To remain competitive leading automotive component manufacturers sought to develop more cost efficient flexible manpower lines that could process more then one component type, i.e. Multi-Component Flexible Manpower Lines (MCFMLs). The overall achievement of this work was the development of MCFML design and implementation methods able to provide, in a responsive manner, cost effective designs for MCFMLs that enabled specified throughput rates for a range of components to be achieved. In order to achieve this aim Computer-based Simulation and Genetic Algorithm optimization techniques were integrated to form the SimFML toolkit.
The enhancement of the MCFML design toolkit through these projects enabled MCFML production systems to provide an effective solution to bridge the gap between volume and variety oriented production systems. The new configurations of MCFML made them suitable for the aerospace industry and other industrial sectors involved in high product variety/low demand volume production. Benefits include MCFML systems that offer reduced levels of capital expenditure, reduced manufacturing costs and greater levels of flexibility to meet potentially unpredictable and varying order requirements for a wide range of components. The adoption of such system design configurations and supporting operational planning framework provided, in addition to the 1st and 2nd tier component manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers with the flexibility and competitiveness required to meet the increasing demands on part variety and reduction in product costs. This emphasises the timely contribution that the results from these projects has made and is continuing to make through technology transfer, dissemination and further research activities.
Publications
- Stockton, D.J., Khalil, R.A, (2005), “Designing Multi-Component Flexible Manpower Lines”, JSAE Annual Congress Conference in Japan.
- Ardon-Finch J.P., Stockton D. J., Khalil, R., and Gershwin, S., (2004) “Control Point Policy: Efficiency within Make-to-Order Environments”, Manufacturing and Systems Operations Management Journal, USA.
- Ardon-Finch J.P., Stockton D. J., and Khalil, R. (2004), "Walk cycle design for flexible manpower lines”, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing.
- Ardon-Finch J.P., Stockton D. J., and Khalil, R.(2004) , "Optimisation of walk cycles for a given number of operators" - International Journal of Production Research.
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