Optimization of Cutting Tool Allocation to Enhance Workload Balance and Total Completion Time in Parallel-Type FMS

Abstract

This study aims to build a machine scheduling method that involves the cutting tool management in parallel-type flexible manufacturing systems. These systems consist of multi-axis CNC machine tools and are equipped with an automated tool changer and a large-capacity tool magazine. The target scheduling problem could be described as a multi-objective parallel scheduling problem. We consider the availability of cutting tools stored in the magazine as so-called “machine eligibility,” and propose a two-phase scheduling method for tool allocation and job sequencing on machines to minimize the workload balance between machines and the total completion time. Two mathematical models for tool allocation are provided: a machine-eligibility-based model and an enhanced version of the model that considers each cutting tool. A series of computational experiments demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also clarify the relationship between schedule performance measures and job routing flexibility in the system.