Cell formation problem: An multithreading Tabu search for setup time optimization for limited machine magazines: A New Solution For A Classical Problem

This paper aims to present a solution for the Manufacturing Cell Formation Problem through the use of a multithreading Tabu Search that uses deterministic methods to effectively explore local optimum areas. Manufacturing Cell Formation problem involves the process of analysing parts and groups them according to their similarity. This paper aims maximize the production efficiency, by minimizing the machine setup time in a limited magazine size through the reduction of tool changes by creating clusters of parts that share machining tools and present an initial scheduling based on tool changes reduction. In order to valid the proposed algorithm, the results obtained are compared against other Tabu Search solutions proposed in the literature.