Formulation and a Lagrangean Relaxation Procedure for Solving Part Scheduling and Tool Loading Problems in FMS

The growth of the metal-working industry spawned improvements in computer integrated manufacturing technology. One result of such improvements was the development of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). A Flexible Manufacturing System typically consists of versatile numerically controlled machines, connected by an automated material handling system, all under a central computer control. The FMS’s achieve the enviable results of effectively combining the efficiency of transfer lines and flexibility of job shops by eliminating or reducing set-up or change over times between manufacturing operations. Although FMS’s can offer a wide variety of benefits, the flexibility of these systems has resulted in making the design and subsequent operation of FMS’s very complex.