Sequencing parallel machining operations by genetic algorithms

Parallel machines (mill/turn machining centers) provide a powerful and efficient machining alternative to the traditional sequential machining process. The underutilization of parallel machines due to their operating complexity has increased interest in developing an efficient methodology for sequencing the parallel machining operations. This paper presents a mixed integer programming model for sequencing parallel machining operations. A genetic-based algorithm for finding an optimal parallel operation sequence on parallel machines is proposed. Two new genetic operators for solving order-based genetic algorithms and computational experiments are also included. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.