Title: Productivity improvement using Special-Purpose Modular machine tools

Authors: Majid Tolouei-Rad, Saeed Zolfaghari

Addresses: School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia. ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada

Abstract: Often, when highly accurate components are to be produced in relatively large volumes, manufacturers may not have a clear idea in utilising widely used CNC machines or less commonly used Special-Purpose Modular (SPM) machine tools. Consequently, the most economical method may not be selected. This paper helps manufacturers in deciding the most economical method by presenting the basic components of SPM machines and how they are used, the necessary steps in configuring these machines, and a detailed economical analysis while presenting a real case study where a comparison of the unit costs per part is made.

Keywords: special-purpose machine tools; modular machine tools; CNC machining; productivity improvement; economic analysis; unit costs per part.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2009.024539

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2009 Vol.4 No.2, pp.219 - 235

Published online: 09 Apr 2009 *

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