Petri nets for computer aided group technology

Abstract

An increasing number of various versions of Petri nets and the tools for modeling them raises a question: which variant is the most suitable? What are its capabilities and limitations for solving a particular problem? This work presents a chosen Petri net class as a tool for modeling group manufacturing processes, verifying their completeness and coherence as far as optimization of the machined parts flow through the manufacturing cell. A timed priority Petri net has been proposed. The modules of the manufacturing process model have been presented. A tested genetic algorithm with a chromosome in form of an ordered set of priorities of the chosen events has been used for the manufacturing cell performance scheduling. The work includes an example in the form of CNC lathe machining process.