Simulation studies of process flow with in-line part inspection in machining cells

The paper highlights the issues of process flow planning within a machining cell with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) integrated into it. The use of such equipment in FMS structures involves definite implications to decision making on proper allocation and sequencing inspection operations with regard to the incurred costs of quality assurance and the requirements of efficient system operation. An integrated simulation based approach to the study of interactions between part inspection heuristics and scheduling policies was adopted, using a real case of a robot served cell and data from industrial practice. The selection of inspection plans has been found to have a significant impact on the assessed cell performance measures. The investigation shows that job sequencing strategies heavily relied on the inspection plan to be introduced in the cell. Results of the work indicate the practical usability of developed simulation modelling and analysis scheme for the selection of process alternatives in discrete part manufacturing. The investigated, alternative process flow strategies can be directly implemented to real time shop floor control using currently available software and standardised interfaces, accordingly with the CIM-OSA concept.