A Simulation Tool for the Manufacturing Engineering Department's Flexible Manufacturing Cell

Abstract

The flexible manufacturing cell in the manufacturing engineering department's computer integrated manufacturing systems lab is used to study manufacturing processes. A loop conveyor, an automated storage and retrieval system, robots and a lathe station are configured to exemplify a manufacturing process. This software was developed to allow the user to alter, modify and/or expand on the manufacturing process represented, and to conduct simulation studies relative to it. It presumes that the basic structure of the cell is to remain intact, while the type of and number of stations, and the behavior of the conveyor at each of the various stations, can be modified.