Methodology for facility design and optimal loading of an electroplating plant

Abstract

Increased automation presents a new challenge in designing electroplating plants that are no longer labour intensive. A strategy to move to automated design techniques, with which productivity is maximised, is presented. The operations of the plant are simulated to arrive at the best productivity for a given layout. If a specified cycle time is desired, the technique optimises the facilities such as tanks and transporters to achieve this objective. Additional strategies include options such as sending an empty flight bar or strategically loading it with some delay. Results from an operation to optimise the process and increase the output in an existing plant are given.