The article presents a description and the operating principle of a two-stage assembly line balancing method. The introductory part of the paper discusses flow production systems and the assembly line. Subsequently, a line balancing algorithm for the type 2 problem (a modification of the IUFF-WET method) and a line balancing algorithm with buffers are presented. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the operation of the described algorithms. In the final part of the paper, the obtained results are discussed.1. INTRODUCTION
Flow production systems are present in various industrial environments and are used to manufacture many different products. Typically, several models (versions) of a standardized product, differing from each other in optional components and equipment, are produced together on a single assembly line. Continuous technical development leads to the emergence of increasingly complex products on the market. From the customer’s point of view, the variety of available products allows them to choose the one most suitable, meeting their individual requirements. The manufacturer, on the other hand, is interested in efficient production, i.e., as cheap and fast as possible, without the need for frequent modifications to the production line settings. Such systems initially require the resolution of two fundamental decision-making problems to enable their installation and proper operation. The assembly line balancing problem consists of the appropriate division of assembly tasks among the various stations of the line.
This problem is associated with the problem of finding an appropriate sequence of manufactured models needed to meet customer requirements.
2. FLOW SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY LINE
An assembly line is a specific example of a flow system and is very typical for the industrial production of large quantities of a standardized product.
An important feature of industrial production is the type of production. In a job-shop production system, machines that perform similar operations are grouped together.
In contrast, the organization of a flow system is characterized by facilities that are arranged according to the appropriate sequence resulting from the production technology. As a result, it is well-suited for mass production or large-batch production, while the job-shop system is mainly used for small-batch production and make-to-order production. (…)
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