Title: Manufacturing facilities layout design using Genetic Algorithm

Authors: Kulendran Balamurugan, Velappan Selladurai, Balamurugan Ilamathi

Addresses: Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, TN, 638 401, India. ' Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore,TN, 641 014, India. ' Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, TN, 638 401, India

Abstract: In this paper, a multiobjective machine layout problem with unequal area and fixed shape is solved by using Genetic Algorithm (GA). The proposed model minimises the cost associated with material handling during normal and breakdown periods and the cost of unusable space. The shape-based block layout approach, which is capable of changing the orientation of facilities to increase the space utilisation, is used to place the machines in the given building area, based on the layout string generated by the GA optimiser. The mathematical formulation, the details of solution methodology, the illustrative example and the computational results are presented.

Keywords: manufacturing facilities; facilities layout; multiobjective optimisation; space utilisation; genetic algorithms; GAs; machine layout.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.017739

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.14 No.3/4, pp.461 - 474

Published online: 28 Mar 2008 *

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