Designing insert buffers for mixed-model assembly lines

Abstract

To meet a diverse range of manufacturing specifications and keep pace with rapid changes in consumer requirements, mixed-model assembly lines must become more efficient and flexible than they are at present. This study examines the characteristics of an insert buffer that uses the curved portion of a mixed-model assembly line to provide guidelines for designing the buffer, and then analyses the number of sequences generated with the buffer. Also analysed is the effect of the insert buffer on the working time and line length. Based on these results, a procedure for designing an insert buffer is proposed.