Attributes and multi-criteria decision analysis in machine selection for process chains

Date
2003-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project is to find a means to evaluate a number of machines to optimise a process chain. Firstly seven machine types were identified to be included in the study. These machine types include: broach machines, EDM machines, GNG lathes, engine lathes, drilling machines, milling machines and grinders. The information requirements for these machines in terms of attributes for three areas were identified. Functionality, economical and reliability and availability attributes were identified. These attributes were subsequently incorporated into a MS-Access database to provide a database of machine information. Several methods for comparing machines were studied and the decision then fell on one existing method to be used for machine evaluation. A new method was developed to use for evaluating machines. The existing method is the Analytic Hierarchy Process, whereas the new method developed, is called the Quotient Exponential Method. These methods were implemented in the MS-Access database to enable the user to evaluate machines by means of both methods. The results indicate that these methods provide the correct answers according to test values used. It should be noted that the decision methods should, however, only serve as an aid towards an answer and do not necessarily provide the final answer. The AHP process is very time-consuming for this project because of the large number of criteria evaluated.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie projek is om "n manier te vind om masjiene te evalueer om sodoende "n proses-ketting te optimeer. Eerstens is besluit op die soorte masjiene wat ingesluit gaan word in die projek. Sewe soorte masjiene is gekies en sluit in: RNB draaibanke, masjiendraaibanke, boormasjiene, skuurders, elektriese ontladings masjiene, veelvuldige punt snymasjiene en rubeitelmasj iene. Die inligting-vereistes van die sewe masjiene, in terme van hul attribute vir drie areas, is vervolgens geïdentifiseer. Hierdie drie areas is funksionaliteit, koste, asook beskikbaarheid en betroubaarheid. Hierdie attribute word in "n MS-Access databasis gebruik om "n databasis van masjien-inligting te skep. Verskeie metodes vir die vergelyking en evaluasie van masjiene is bestudeer en daar is op een bestaande metode besluit vir die evaluering van "n aantal masjiene. Daarbenewens is ook "n nuwe metode ontwikkel vir die evaluering van masjiene. Die bestaande metode is die Analitiese Hiërargiese Proses, terwyl die nuwe metode die Kwosiënt Eksponensiële Metode genoem word. Altwee hierdie metodes is in MS-Access geïmplemeteer om die gebruiker in staat te stelom masjiene met albei metodes te vergelyk. Die resultate verkry toon aan dat die korrekte resultaat verkry word volgens die toetsdata wat ingevoer is ten opsigte van die twee metodes. Dit moet in gedagte gehou word dat hierdie metodes egter slegs as "n hulpmiddel tot besluitneming gebruik behoort te word en nie noodwendig die finale antwoord lewer nie. AHP is baie tydsaam gevind, aangesien die masjiene in die projek baie attribute bevat het.
Description
Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
Keywords
Machining, Machine-tools, Manufacturing processes, Dissertations -- Industrial engineering, Theses -- Industrial engineering
Citation