Optimization of FTL Layout Design Through an Asymmetrical and Restricted Plant Using GA

Abstract

One of the problems encountered in the design and implementation of a flexible transfer line (FTL) is the layout of the FTL in a restricted area. The layout of the FTL has an important impact on production cost. In this paper we propose efficient FTL layout design procedures for a FTL layout in an asymmetrical and restricted plant area. In order to find the layout of the FTL including the buffer size between each pair of FTL machines, an efficient FTL layout design procedure called a One by One Layout Method (OOLM) in conjunction with genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. The OOLM generates an efficient solution for a set of irregularly shaped machines through a restricted plant area. A CAD system is linked to the OOLM to draw the FTL layout. The OOLM is not limited to a single static environment, but is highly flexible within the plant structure. An application example was developed, and after a number of operations based on OOLM, an efficient FTL layout design could be found.

Layout design optimization of dynamic environment flexible manufacturing systems

“…On the other hand, fixed shapes and input and output points have been considered to find the layout, such as Kim and Kim 24 focused on the facility that has predetermined shape and input and output points, and also, Qudeiri and Yamamoto 25 introduced a one-by-one layout procedure to find the efficient layout for production line components between a fixed start point and end point of the production line. Other research has focused on the dynamic case, for example, Conway and Venkataramanan 26 introduced genetic search technique to solve dynamic facility layout problem.…”

“…Irregular-shaped machines were also considered in other studies, for example, Yamamoto and Qudeiri 22 proposed concurrent engineering system to find the layout design of flexible transfer line components, and also, Bock and Hoberg 23 introduced a layout for irregular-shaped machines with transportation path. On the other hand, fixed shapes and input and output points have been considered to find the layout, such as Kim and Kim 24 focused on the facility that has predetermined shape and input and output points, and also, Qudeiri and Yamamoto 25 introduced a one-by-one layout procedure to find the efficient layout for production line components between a fixed start point and end point of the production line. Other research has focused on the dynamic case, for example, Conway and Venkataramanan 26 introduced genetic search technique to solve dynamic facility layout problem.…”

“…28 Many heuristic methods and approaches were developed to solve the layout problem and to find the best possible location of FMS components. 9,25,29 However, despite many publications for FMS machine tools layout, further augmentation is still required. Some studies considered machine tools as equal blocks, and others neglected the details between the machine tools.…”