Application of simulation and zero-one programming for analysis of numerically controlled machining operations in the aerospace industry

This paper presents a simulation analysis performed under Project 2108 "Integrated Sheet Metal Fabrication System" of the United States Air Forces' Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) Program. The overall objective of the ICAM program is to increase productivity in the aerospace manufacturing community through use of advanced technologies and decision support systems. The objective of Project 2108 is to design a state-of-the-art Integrated Sheet Metal Fabrication System, build it on site at a major aerospace location and track savings. The purpose of the simulation study described herein, is to evaluate various design alternatives for an aluminum sheet metal fabrication system. In this application a zero-one algorithm is called by the simulation each time a decision is needed for release of orders to the manufacturing cell. The paper presents the system description, modeling approach, and results of the analysis effort.