Synthesis and optimization of manufacturing systems configuration using co-platforming

A mathematical mixed integer linear programming momdel to synthesize the manufacturing system configuration based on co-platforming strategy by mapping product platform to a corresponding machines platform is introduced. The mathematical model is verified through mathematical example and implemented in case study from automotive cylinder block manufacturer. The proposed model is beneficial in synthesizing manufacturing system to reduce investment costs by maintaining a group of platform machines that do not change with the change in product variants in different production periods. The synthesized manufacturing system platform does not change with the introduction of new product variants with new features belonging to the same product family which supports economic sustainability of manufacturing systems.