Flow Shop Scheduling at Continuous Casters with Flexible Job Specifications

Abstract

We propose a new approach for the sequencing of slabs at continuous casters. Here, typical characteristics such as input supply in batch quantities, continuous casting width adjustment, width ranges for orders as well as setup times due to several process constraints are taken into account. The aim of the optimization approach is to minimize the total cost of production for a given order set. Thus, classic sequencing approaches do not cover all necessary constraints of the process. We present an extended MIP modeling approach for the introduced decision situation of scheduling at a single machine.