Modeling of FTL and its conveyer buffer planning by off-line production simulator

Recently, as product variety has increased, it has been demanded that the flow-type production line manufactures many varieties of parts, such as FTL (flexible transfer line). It is not always easy to grasp the running state of FTL when the parts variety increase. This research solves the buffer capacity problem by using a discrete production line simulator. The simulator is an off-line production simulator which includes the genetic algorithm system and decides the buffer capacity between each machine tool. Because of the simulator, it is possible automatically to determine the buffer capacity. After some simulations, the buffer capacity combination that the experienced planners do not decide when they plan FTL is acquired