Challenges in the design of reconfigurable machine tools

Abstract

A common type of machine tool in durable goods manufacturing industries until recently was a dedicated machine tool (DMT). The roots of these machines go back to the early days of mass production in the automobile industry in the 1920's. For the sake of operational efficiency, manufacturing process was divided into the smallest possible tasks and then carried out by specialized machines (stations). Since the machines were dedicated to a particular task, it was possible to employ hard automation, a key enabler in high-volume, low mix, and highly repetitive manufacturing. The dedicated machines still constitute majority of the legacy manufacturing systems, which continue to be in operation today. © 2006 Springer.