Ramazan Yaman

An effective sorting method for facility layout construction

Abstract In this study, facility layout methods are reviewed and classified. This includes the formal mathematical approaches, heuristic methods and expert systems. A new heuristic method is descri...

Using response surface design to determine the optimal parameters of genetic algorithm and a case study

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are efficient stochastic search techniques for approximating optimal solutions within complex search spaces and used widely to solve NP-hard problems. Genetic algorithm includes a number of parameters whose different levels strictly affect the performance of the algorithm. The general approach to determine the appropriate parameter combination of GA depends on too many trials of different combinations, and the best one of them that produces good results is selected for the programme, which would be used for problem solving. A few researchers studied on the parameter optimisation of GA. In this paper, response surface-dependent parameter optimisation is proposed to determine the optimal parameters of GA. Results are tested for benchmark problems that are most common in mixed-model assembly line balancing problems of type-I.

Decision making for facility layout problem solutions

In this study, facility layout problems, solution requirements and decision analysis are summarized. Decision making steps of a common layout problem is given. Then developed approaches for the solutions are revised and analyzed according to their decision-making structures. The modular structure of a decision-making support system for a layout problem is outlined, then an example decision making approach is carried out for a problem. The study is concluded with describing relations between decision-making strategy and success of the problem solution.

An assembly line design and construction for a small manufacturing company

Purpose – This study seeks to present a simple assembly line design and its balance for a low‐volume manufacturing company.Design/methodology/approach – The study presents experiences with the design and implementation of a simple assembly line. The implementation concerns three aspects; design and construction of the assembly line, the assembly analysis of the product, and then balancing of the line. It also discusses construction and implementation difficulties of this tactical tool in the case company.Findings – The study presents some outcomes from the design, implementation, and balancing of an assembly line for SMEs.Research limitations/implications – The study is limited by the case company and its experience.Practical implications – This study is not pure theoretical study, it has application stages for industry, and it provides some real interface for the people from SMEs.Originality/value – The approach has an original value in respect of implementation of assembly line for a small manufacturing...

A new hybrid genetic algorithm to solve more realistic mixed-model assembly line balancing problem

Continuous and unexpected changes in demands of customised products force companies to produce various types of products, concurrently. One of the intelligent methods to satisfy various customer demands and compete with rivals in today’s business environment is to assemble diverse models on the same assembly line, simultaneously. So, mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with parallel workstations and zoning constraints is studied in this paper. Firstly, relevant studies in the literature were presented in a summary. Then, solutions have been sought with hybrid genetic algorithm that is obtained from the combination of modified Comsoal method and genetic algorithm. Computational experiments were carried out on 20 benchmark problems to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm. The obtained results were compared with the results of pure genetic algorithm and other previous researches. Obviously, it has been observed that proposed algorithm has promising solution capacity especially on large-sized mixed-model assembly line balancing problems.

Establishment and use of virtual layouts for manufacturing

This study offers a new type of manufacturing approach. This approach may be called virtual manufacturing layouts. The study concerns basic themes of the approach. These are descriptions, elements, and use of the virtual layouts. The approach has been exemplified with a case study. Advantages and disadvantages of this type of layouts have also been summarised.

An Investigation on Weldability of AISI 304 and AISI 1040 Steels on Friction Welding

Abstract In welding technology, joining processes of different materials, which have dissimilar crystal structures are difficult. Welding of different materials becomes very important to reduce costs. Furthermore, the friction welding method is processed in lower temperature than the melting temperature. Especially, this is a big advantage to overcome difficulties that occur in the heat affected zone during usage of conventional methods. In this study, the weldability of AISI 304 stainless steel and AISI 1040 carbon steel by friction welding is studied. During the welding process, temperature variations in the welding zones were measured with an infrared temperature measurement device. After welding of the samples, tensile and hardness experiments were carried out. For metallographic investigations, optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures were taken. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was carried out for composition investigations on welding and heat affected zones. As a result, these two steels could be joined by friction welding for industrial usage.

Sandwich programs for multidisciplinary engineering education

Employing a recent graduate engineer without any work experience in industry is quite difficult, because, generally, they do not have any clear goal to reach in their professional career. This problem appears more dominantly in multidisciplinary engineering fields. First part of this study elaborates on industry expectations from multidisciplinary engineers. The second part offers a new sandwich program structure for multidisciplinary engineering education and discusses advantages and disadvantages of this approach.