Heuristics for Batch Machining at Reconfigurable Rotary Transfer Machines

A problem of design of reconfigurable rotary transfer machines is considered. Parts are divided into batches. Parts of a batch are located at the loading position of rotary table in a given sequence and they are processed simultaneously. Operations are partitioned into groups which are performed by spindle heads or by turrets. Constraints related to the design of spindle heads, turrets, and working positions, as well as precedence constraints related to operations, are given. The problem consists in minimizing the estimated cost of the transfer machine, while reaching a given output and satisfying all the constraints. The proposed methods to solve the problem are based on sequential assignment of operations to machining modules. Experimental results with different heuristics are reported.