Optimizing the Reconfiguration of Machining Desktop Micro-Factory Based on Scheduling Simulation

Abstract

Today, the micro-factory concept of downsizing production systems is essential to manufacturing small products in sustainable growth. Concerning this, this paper presents the developments accomplished during the recent years at Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) and Holguin University (Cuba) introducing new findings related to the design of reconfigurable micro-factories based-on micro-machine tools. The chapter discusses the proposed framework for the optimizing the development of micro-factories in the context of micro-reconfigurable manufacturing systems based-on micro-reconfigurable machine tools. The novel methodology for optimizing the scheduling of reconfigurable micro-factories were exposed and a scheduling optimization of a reconfigurable micro-factory prototype was designed and tested.