Maximum Utilization in Operations Scheduling for Multiple Machines and Batches in Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Scheduling and sequencing are forms of decision making that present a fundamental role in Additive Manufacturing (AM). This work studies the scheduling for a set of three-dimensional (3D) printers when the maximum utilization is used as an indicator. The aim is to establish a criterion that minimizes the use of available resources. A program has been done by using the software package Python and this has allowed studying the effect that the maximum utilization presents on operation scheduling. As evaluated a large number of pieces of various sizes, the analysis is found to be effective in yielding near-optimal solutions. The obtained outcomes have identified aspects of the production such as production planning and control as well as work organization.