Dynamic tool management in FMS-a practical approach

A dynamic tool management system was investigated for multiple job manufacturing in a FMS. The system uses the constructive solid geometry CAD model and flexible classification mechanism to recognize job machining features and the corresponding cutting tools. The job order is designed from an assigned priority weight and which is defined from fuzzy rules. The operations of the highest priority jobs are then assigned to the idle machines under a real time scheduling method. The results from a five jobs-three machines job scheduling study indicated that a high machine utilization can be achieved, and the required tool quantify and tool switch between machines were significantly reduced