Title: A process planning method based on firefly algorithm

Authors: Xianbang Yang; Ting He; Chengzhu Sun

Addresses: College of Computer Science and Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China ' College of Computer Science and Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China ' College of Computer Science and Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China

Abstract: In the modern manufacturing system, process planning is an essential function. Generally, a part has many alternative process plans since there are many other viable processing methods and techniques. Therefore, optimisation of the process plan in manufacturing is an important task of flexible process planning. In this paper, the flexible process planning method based on firefly algorithm is developed for improving production efficiency and reducing production cost. Firstly, a hierarchical evaluation index system for the process plan is presented and a multi-objective nonlinear optimisation model of process planning is formulated. This model is based on the evaluation index system in which the quality, cost, efficiency, and environmental consumption of parts processing can be optimised. Next, the improved firefly algorithm is proposed to solve the multi-objective nonlinear optimisation model. Finally, an example is given to prove the validity of the model and algorithm.

Keywords: flexible process planning; multi-objective; optimisation; firefly algorithm.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2018.092003

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2018 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.310 - 322

Received: 30 Jun 2017
Accepted: 21 Nov 2017
Published online: 24 May 2018 *

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