A generalized procedure for minimizing makespan in a CNC environment

Abstract

This paper presents the problem of scheduling N jobs, each manufactured in a number of settings, in order, on a CNC machine equipped with an automatic tool changer. A generalized procedure to minimize makespan in a CNC environment has been developed and tested on real industrial problems, considering possible constraints. It is worthy of mention that the procedure suggested finds an optimal solution of the problem discussed by Sule in a short and simplified manner. The step-by-step analysis shows the simplicity and flexibility of the proposed approach.

Keywords:

• mismatch job sequencing
• CNC machine
• setting
• match