A genetic algorithm-based approach for design of independent manufacturing cells

In this paper, an approach is proposed for designing independent manufacturing cells in cellular manufacturing with alternative process plans and machine duplication consideration. Several manufacturing parameters, such as production volume, machine capacity, processing time, number of cells and cell size, are considered in the process. The problem is formulated as a 0–1 integer programming model and solved using genetic algorithm. It determines the machine cell, part family and process plan for each part simultaneously.