1. 1 Mr T. Tunnukij & Dr. C. Hicks, University of Newcastle upon Tyne Group Technology & Cellular Manufacturing Clustering Methods Manufacturing cells Manufacturing cells have been used for identifying Based upon Group Technology A philosophy that aims to exploit similarities and achieve efficiencies by grouping. GT has been applied to manufacturing systems known as Cellular Manufacturing (CM).

2. 2 Mr T. Tunnukij & Dr. C. Hicks, University of Newcastle upon Tyne Manufacturing Layout Process (Functional) LayoutGroup (Cellular) Layout Like resources placed together Resources to produce like products placed together TTT M M M T M SGCG SG DD D D TTTCG TTTSG MM DDD MM DDD A cluster or cell

3. 3 Mr T. Tunnukij & Dr. C. Hicks, University of Newcastle upon Tyne Cellular Manufacturing (CM) Cellular Manufacturing Cellular Manufacturing The parts that have similar processing requirements and/or geometrical shapes. The machines that are required for the manufacture of each part family. Determines & Groups Part Familie s Machin e Cells A manufacturing cell is a cluster of dissimilar machines placed in close proximity and dedicated to the manufacture of a family of parts.

4. 4 Mr T. Tunnukij & Dr. C. Hicks, University of Newcastle upon Tyne The benefits of CM Cellular Manufacturing Cellular Manufacturing Main benefits Reduced throughput time Reduced work in progress Improved material flows Others Reduced inventory Improved use of space Improved team work Reduced waste Increased flexibility Reduced Manufacturing Costs

5. 5 Mr T. Tunnukij & Dr. C. Hicks, University of Newcastle upon Tyne Clustering Methods A large number of clustering methods have been developed Part family grouping Machine grouping Machine-part grouping Can be classified into Form part families and then group machines into cells. Form machine cells based upon similarities in part routing and then allocate parts to cells. Form part families and machine cells simultaneously.