Cellular Mfg-3e-S 7-19, 21/06, 06/05/07

Chapter 18
CELLULAR MANUFACTURING
REVIEW QUESTIONS
18.1

What is group technology?

Answer: As defined in the text, group technology is a manufacturing philosophy in which similar parts are
identified and grouped together to take advantage of their similarities in design and production.

18.2

What is cellular manufacturing?

Answer: As defined in the text, cellular manufacturing is an application of group technology in which
dissimilar machines or processes have been aggregated into cells, each of which is dedicated to the production
of a part or product family or a limited group of families.

18.3

What are the production conditions under which group technology and cellular manufacturing are most
applicable?
Answer: The conditions identified in the text are (1) the plant currently uses traditional batch production and
a process type layout, and this results in much material handling effort, high in-process inventory, and long
manufacturing lead times; and (2) the parts can be grouped into part families.

18.4

What are the two major tasks that a company must undertake when it implements group technology?
Answer: The two major tasks are (1) identifying the part families and (2) rearranging production machines
into machine cells.

18.5

What is a part family?

Answer: As defined in the text, a part family is a collection of parts that are similar either because of
geometric shape and size or because similar processing steps are required in their manufacture.

18.6

What are the three methods for solving the problem of grouping parts into part families?
Answer: The three methods are (1) visual inspection, (2) parts classification and coding, and (3) production
flow analysis.

18.7

What is the difference between a hierarchical structure and a chain-type structure in a classification and coding
scheme?
Answer: In a hierarchical structure, also known as a monocode, the interpretation of each successive symbol
depends on the value of the preceding symbols. In a chain-type structure, also known as a polycode, the
interpretation of each symbol in the sequence is always the same; it does not depend on the value of preceding
symbols.

18.8

What is production flow analysis?

Answer: As defined in the text, production flow analysis is a method for identifying part families and
associated machine groupings that uses the information contained on production route sheets rather than part
drawings. Workparts with identical or similar routings are grouped into part families.

18.9

What are the typical objectives when implementing cellular manufacturing?

Answer: As enumerated in the text, the objectives are to (1) shorten manufacturing lead times, by reducing
setup, workpart handling, waiting times, and batch sizes; (2) reduce work-in-process inventory; (3) improve
quality; (4) simplify production scheduling; and (5) reduce setup times.

18.10 What is the composite part concept, as the term is applied in group technology?
Answer: The composite part concept is based on part families. It conceives of a hypothetical part for a given
family that includes all of the design and manufacturing attributes of the family. In general, an individual
part in the family will have some of the features that characterize the family, but not all of them. The
composite part possesses all of the features.
18.11 What are the four common GT cell configurations, as identified in the text?

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Answer: The four GT cell configurations listed in the text are (1) single machine cell, (2) group machine cell
with manual handling, (3) group machine cell with semi-integrated handling, and (4) flexible manufacturing
cell or flexible manufacturing system.
18.12 What is the key machine concept in cellular manufacturing?
Answer: The key machine concept acknowledges that there is typically a certain machine in a cell that is more
expensive to operate than the other machines or that performs certain critical operations. This machine is
referred to as the key machine. It is important that the utilization of this key machine be high, even if it means
that the other machines in the cell have relatively low utilizations. The other machines are referred to as
supporting machines, and they should be organized in the cell to keep the key machine busy.
18.13 What is the difference between a virtual machine cell and a formal machine cell?
Answer: Virtual machine cells involve the creation of part families and the dedication of equipment to the
manufacture of these part families, but without the physical rearrangement of machines into formal cells.
The machines in the virtual cell remain in their original locations in the factory. Formal machine cells
represent the conventional GT approach in which a group of dissimilar machines are physically relocated into
a cell that is dedicated to the production of one or a limited set of part.
18.14 What is the principal application of group technology in product design?
Answer: As indicated in the text, the principal application of GT in design is to implement a design retrieval
system that reduces part proliferation.
18.15 What is the application of the rank order clustering?
Answer: The application of the rank order clustering in GT is grouping machines into cells based on the partmachine incidence matrix, which in turn is based on route sheets.

PROBLEMS
Parts Classification and Coding
18.1

Develop the form code (first five digits) in the Opitz System for the part illustrated in Figure P18.1.
Solution: L/D = 0.06/0.80 = 0.075
External shape = smooth
Internal shape = smooth, no shape element
Plane surface machining = none
Auxiliary holes, etc., = none

18.2

Form code in Opitz system = 00100

Develop the form code (first five digits) in the Opitz System for the part illustrated in Figure P18.2.
Solution: L/D = 2.5/1.5 = 1.667
External shape = stepped, one hole
Internal shape = smooth hole
Plane surface machining = none
Auxiliary holes, etc., = none

18.3

Digit 1 = 0
Digit 2 = 0
Digit 3 = 1
Digit 4 = 0
Digit 5 = 0

Digit 1 = 1
Digit 2 = 1
Digit 3 = 1
Digit 4 = 0
Digit 5 = 0

Form code in Opitz system = 11100

Develop the form code (first five digits) in the Opitz System for the part illustrated in Figure P18.3.
Solution: L/D = 121/36 = 3.361
External shape = stepped both ends with functional groove
Internal shape = no hole
Plane surface machining = none
Auxiliary holes and gear teeth = spur gear.

Digit 1 = 2
Digit 2 = 6
Digit 3 = 0
Digit 4 = 0
Digit 5 = 6

Form code in Optiz = 26006

Rank Order Clustering

18.4

Apply the rank order clustering technique to the part-machine incidence matrix in the following table to
identify logical part families and machine groups. Parts are identified by letters, and machines are identified
numerically.
Machines
1
2

A
1

B
1

Parts
C

E
1
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3
4
5

1
1

Solution:

1
2
3
4
5

3
1
4
2
5

A
1

Step 1
C

Rank
2
4
1
3
5

1
1

1
1

A
1
1

D
1

Step 3
B

1
1

3
1
4
2
5
Rank

Rank
1
2
4
5
3

1
1

3
1
5
4
2

A
1
1

Step 2
C

1
1
1

A
1
1

D
1

D
1

1
1
4

1
2

Step 4
B

1
1
1

1
1

Part families and machine groups: I = (A, D) and (3,1,5), II = (B, C, E) and (4, 2).
18.5

Apply the rank order clustering technique to the part-machine incidence matrix in the following table to
identify logical part families and machine groups. Parts are identified by letters, and machines are identified
numerically.
Parts
Machines
1
2
3
4
5
6

A
1

D
1

E
1

F
1

Solution:

1
2
3
4
5
6

3
1
5
6
4
2

A
1

Step 1
C
D

E
1

1
1

1
1

B
1
1

A
1
1

Step 3
E
D

1
1

1
1
1
1
1

Rank
2
6
1
5
3
4

3
1
5
6
4
2
Rank

Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6

A
1
1

B
1

Step 2
C
D

1
1
2

1
1
1
4

Part families and machine groups:

I = (A, B, E) and (3, 1, 5)
II = (D, C, F) and (6, 4, 2)

148

1
1

1
3

1
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18.6

Apply the rank order clustering technique to the part-machine incidence matrix in the following table to
identify logical part families and machine groups. Parts are identified by letters, and machines are identified
numerically.
Machines
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

A
1

Parts
E

1
1

I
1

1
1

Solution:
A
1 1
2
3
4
5
6
7 1
8

A
7 1
1 1
4
2
3
8
5
6

Step 1
E F

I
1

1
1

1
1

D
1

Step 3
B F

1
1
1

1
1

1
1
1
1

1
1

1
1

Rank
2
4
5
3
7
8
1
6

Rank
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
5

A
7 1
1 1
4
2
3
8
5
6
Rank 1

D
1

A
7 1
1 1
4
2
6
3
8
5
Rank 1

D
1

Step 2
E F

I
1

1
1

1
1
1
1

1
1

1
1

1
1
1
6

1
4

Step 4
B F

1
1
1
7

1
1

1
1
1
1

1
1

1
1

1
9

Part families and machine groups: I = (A, D, I) and (7, 1)

II = (G, B, F) and (4, 2, 6)
III = (C, E, H) and (3, 8, 5)
18.7

Apply the rank order clustering technique to the part-machine incidence matrix in the following table to
identify logical part families and machine groups. Parts are identified by letters, and machines are identified
numerically.
Machines
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

C
1

1
1

D
1
1

Parts
E
1

1
1

1
1

Solution:

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A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

4
2
7
8
6
1
5
3

C
1

D
1

Step 1
E F
1

1
1

G
1
1

D
1

H
1

Step 3
I G
1

1
1
1

1
1

B
1
1

A
1
1
1

1
1

1
1

1
1
1

1
1

1
1
1

1
1
1

Rank
6
2
8
1
7
5
3
4

Rank
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
6

4
2
7
8
6
1
5
3
Rank

4
2
7
8
6
1
3
5
Rank

A
1
1
1

B
1
1

D
1

Step 2
E F

1
1
1
1

1
1
8

A
1
1
1

B
1
1

D
1

1
1

1
1

1
9

1
5

1
2

Step 4
I G

1
1

1
1

1
1
1

1
1

1
1

1
5

1
1
7

1
9

Part families and machine groups: I = (A, B, D, H, I) and (4, 2, 7, 8, 6)

II = (G, C, F, E) and (1, 3, 5)
Note: packs G, C, and F in group I require processing in machine group II (machines 2, 7, and 8), and packs
D and H require processing in machine group I (machines 1 and 3).
18.8

The following table lists the weekly quantities and routings of ten parts that are being considered for cellular
manufacturing in a machine shop. Parts are identified by letters and machines are identified numerically. For
the data given, (a) develop the part-machine incidence matrix, and (b) apply the rank order clustering
technique to the part-machine incidence matrix to identify logical part families and machine groups.
Part
A
B
C
D
E

Weekly quantity
50
20
75
10
12

Machine routing
327
61
65
651
3274

Part
F
G
H
I
J

Solution: (a) See step 1. (b) See steps 1 through 4.

Step 1
A B C D E F G H I J Rank
1
1
1
1
1
5
2 1
1
1 1 1
1
3 1
1
1 1
2
4
1
1 1 1
7
5
1 1
1
1
6
6
1 1 1
1
4
7 1
1
1 1
3

2
3

E
1
1

H
1
1

A
1
1

G
1
1

Step 3
I D
1

Rank
1
2
150

Weekly quantity
60
5
100
40
15

Machine routing
51
3 2 4
3 2 4 7
247
561

Step 2
A B C D E F
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
1
1 1
1
1
3 8 9 6 1 10

2
3
7
6
1
5
4
Rank

2
3

E
1
1

H
1
1

A
1
1

G
1
1

Step 4
I D
1

G H I
1 1 1
1 1
1 1

1
1
1
1
4

1
2
J

1
5
B

7
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7
6
1
5
4

1
1
1
1

1
1
1

1
1

3
5
6
7
4

1
1
1

7
4
6
1
5
Rank

1
1

1
1

1
1

1
1
1
1
1
6

1
1
1
7

1
1
8

1
1
9

1
1
10

Part families and machine groups: I = (E, H, A, G, I) and (2, 3, 7, 4)

II = (D, J, B, C, F) and (6, 1, 5)

Machine Cell Organization and Design

18.9

Four machines used to produce a family of parts are to be arranged into a GT cell. The from-to data for the
parts processed by the machines are shown in the table below. (a) Determine the most logical sequence of
machines for this data. (b) Construct the network diagram for the data, showing where and how many parts
enter and exit the system. (c) Compute the percentages of in-sequence moves, bypassing moves, and
backtracking moves in the solution. (d) Develop a feasible layout plan for the cell.
To:
From:
1
2
3
4

1
0
0
50
0

2
10
0
0
50

3
0
0
0
0

4
40
0
20
0

Solution: (a) Hollier method

1
2
3
4
To

1
0
50
0
50

Sequence:

2
10
0
50
60

Step 1:
3
0
0
0
0

4
40
0
20
60
1

From
50
0
70
50
170

Op.
1
2
3
4

From
50
0
70
50

Step 2
To
50
60
0
60

From/To ratio
1.0
0

0.83

Sequence
2
4
1
3

(b) Network diagram:

20

70

50

10
40

50

60
10

(c) % in-sequence moves = (50 + 40 + 50)/170 = 0.824 = 82.4%

% bypassing moves = (20 + 10)/170 = 0.176 = 17.6%
% backtracking moves = 0
(d) Layout plan: In-line sequence of U-shaped layout is appropriate for the given flows with no back tracking.
18.10 In Problem 18.8, two logical machine groups are identified by rank order clustering. For each machine group,
(a) determine the most logical sequence of machines for this data. (b) Construct the network diagram for the
data. (c) Compute the percentages of in-sequence moves, bypassing moves, and backtracking moves in the
solution.
Solution: (a) Hollier method applied to first machine group (machines 2, 3, 4, 7):
Step 1
Step 2
2
3
7
4
From
From
To
From/To
sums
sums
ratio
2
62
145
207
2 207
167
1.24
151

Order
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3
7
4
To

167
167

Sequence:

140
202

12
157
2

167
12
140
4

3
7
4

167
12
140

0
202
140

1
4
3

0.06
0.89

(b) Network diagram

62
167

167

145

140

190

12
40

17

(c) % in-sequence moves = (167 + 145 + 140)/526 = 0.859 = 85.9%

% bypassing moves = 62/526 = 0.118 = 11.8%
% backtracking moves = 12/526 = 0.023 = 2.3%
(a) Hollier method applied to second machine group (machines 1, 5, 6):
Step 1
Step 2
6
1
5
From
From
To
From/To
sums
sums
ratio
6
35
85
120
6 120
15
8.0
1
0
0
1
0
105
0
5 15
70
85
5
85
85
1.0
To 15
105
85
Sequence:

Order
1
3
2

(b) Network diagram:

35
105

85

15

70

105

75

75

(c) % in-sequence moves = (85 + 70)/205 = 0.756 = 75.6%

% bypassing moves = 35/205 = 0.171 = 17.1%
% backtracking moves = 15/205 = 0.073 = 7.3%
18.11 Five machines will constitute a GT cell. The from-to data for the machines are shown in the table below. (a)
Determine the most logical sequence of machines for this data, and construct the network diagram, showing
where and how many parts enter and exit the system. (b) Compute the percentages of in-sequence moves,
bypassing moves, and backtracking moves in the solution. (c) Develop a feasible layout plan for the cell based
on the solution.
From:
1
2

1
0
0

2
10
0

To:
3
80
0

4
0
85

152

5
0
0

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3
4
5

0
70
0

0
0
75

0
20
0

0
0
20

0
0
0

Solution: (a) Hollier method:

Step 1
1
2
3
4
5
To

1
0
0
70
0
70

Sequence:

2
10
0
0
75
85
5

3
80
0
20
0
100

4
0
85
0
20
105
1

5
0
0
0
0
0
2

From
90
85
0
90
95

From
sums
90
85
0
90
95

1
2
3
4
5

To
sums
70
85
100
105
0

Step 2
From/To
ratio
1.29
1.0
0
0.86

Order
2
3
5
4
1

(b) % in-sequence moves = (10 + 85 + 20)/360 = 0.319 = 31.9%

% bypassing moves = (75 + 20 + 80)/360 = 0.486 = 48.6%
% backtracking moves = 70/360 = 0.194 = 19.4%
(d) Student exercise. There is no single correct solution for this design problem.
18.12 A GT machine cell contains three machines. Machine 1 feeds machine 2 which is the key machine in the cell.
Machine 2 feeds machine 3. The cell is set up to produce a family of five parts (A, B, C, D, and E). The
operation times for each part at each machine are given in the table below. The products are to be produced in
the ratios 4:3:2:2:1, respectively. (a) If 35 hours per week are worked, determine how many of each product
will be made by the cell. (b) What is the utilization of each machine in the cell?
Part
A
B
C
D
E

Operation time
Machine 2
15.0 min.
18.0 min.
20.0 min.
20.0 min.
16.0 min.

Machine 1
4.0 min.
15.0 min.
26.0 min.
15.0 min.
8.0 min.

Machine 3
10.0 min.
7.0 min.
15.0 min.
10.0 min.
10.0 min.

Solution: (a) Compute time to produce units in given ratio:

Machine 1: T = 4(4) + 3(15) + 2(26) + 2(15) + 1(8) = 151 min.
Machine 2: T = 4(15) + 3(18) + 2(20) + 2(20) + 1(16) = 210 min.
Machine 3: T = 4(10) + 3(7) + 2(15) + 2(10) + 1(10) = 121 min.
Machine 2 is the bottleneck machine that determines cell output
Time available = 35(60) = 2100 min.
Number of cycles to produce the products in the ratio given =
Thus, output = 10(4 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1) = 10(12) = 120 pc.
(b) Machine 1 utilization U =

2100
= 10 cycles
210

10(151)
= 0.719 = 71.9%
2100

Machine 2 utilization U = 100%

Machine 3 utilization U =

10(121)
= 0.576 = 57.6%
2100

18.13 A GT cell will machine the components for a family of parts. The parts come in several different sizes and the
cell will be designed to quickly change over from one size to the next. This will be accomplished using
fast-change fixtures and downloading the part programs from the plant computer to the CNC machines in the
cell. The parts are rotational type, and so the cell must be able to perform turning, boring, facing, drilling, and
cylindrical grinding operations. Accordingly, there will be several machine tools in the cell, of types and
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numbers to be specified by the designer. To transfer parts between machines in the cell, the designer may elect
to use a belt or similar conveyor system. Any conveyor equipment of this type will be 0.4 m. wide. The
arrangement of the various pieces of equipment in the cell is the principal problem to be considered. The raw
workparts will be delivered into the machine cell on a belt conveyor. The finished parts must be deposited onto
a conveyor that delivers them to the assembly department. The input and output conveyors are 0.4 m wide, and
the designer must specify where they enter and exit the cell. The parts are currently machined by conventional
methods in a process-type layout. In the current production method, there are seven machines involved but two
of the machines are duplicates. "From-to" data have been collected for the jobs that are relevant to this
problem.
From:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Parts in

1
0
12
74
0
0
0
174
25

2
112
0
0
82
73
0
16
0

3
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
300

To:
4
61
0
35
0
0
0
30
0

5
59
0
31
0
0
0
20
0

6
53
226
0
23
23
0
0
0

7
0
0
180
5
0
0
0
75

Parts out
0
45
0
16
14
325
0

The from-to data indicate the number of workparts moved between machines during a typical 40 hour week.
The data refer to the parts considered in the case. The two categories "parts in" and parts out" indicate parts
entering and exiting the seven machine group. A total of 400 parts on average are processed through the seven
machines each week. However, as indicated by the data, not all 400 parts are processed by every machine.
Machines 4 and 5 are identical and assignment of parts to these machines is arbitrary. Average production rate
capacity on each of the machines for the particular distribution of this parts family is given in the table below.
Also given are the floor space dimensions of each machine in meters. Assume that all loading and unloading
operations take place in the center of the machine.
Machine
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Operation
Turn outside diameter
Bore inside diameter
Face ends
Grind outside diameter
Grind outside diameter
Inspect
Drill

Production rate
9 pc/hr
15 pc/hr
10 pc/hr
12 pc/hr
12 pc/hr
5 pc/hr
9 pc/hr

Machine dimensions
3.5 m x 1.5 m
3.0 m x 1.6 m
2.5 m x 1.5 m
3.0 m x 1.5 m
3.0 m x 1.5 m
Bench 1.5 m x 1.5 m
1.5 m x 2.5 m

Operation 6 is currently a manual inspection operation. It is anticipated that this manual station will be
replaced by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). This automated inspection machine will triple
throughput rate to 15 parts per hour from 5 parts per hour for the manual method. The floor space dimensions
of the CMM are 2.0 m x 1.6 m. All other machines currently listed are to be candidates for inclusion in the
new machine cell. (a) Analyze the problem and determine the most appropriate sequence of machines in the
cell using the data contained in the From-To chart. (b) Construct the network diagram for the cell, showing
where and how many parts enter and exit the cell. (c) Determine the utilization and production capacity of the
machines in the cell as you have designed it. (d) Prepare a layout (top view) drawing of the GT cell, showing
the machines, the robot(s), and any other pieces of equipment in the cell. (e) Write a one-page (or less)
description of the cell, explaining the basis of your design and why the cell is arranged as it is.
Solution: (a) Use Hollier method to analyze sequence.

1
2
3
4
5

1
0
12
74
0
0

2
112
0
0
82
73

3
0
0
0
0
0

4
61
0
35
0
0

5
59
0
31
0
0

6
53
226
0
23
23

7
0
0
180
5
0
154

From
285
238
320
110
96

1
2
3
4
5

From
sums
285
238
320
110
96

To
sums
260
283
20
126
110

From/To
ratio
1.096
0.841
16.0
0.873
0.873

Order
3
6
1
4,5
4,5

Cellular Mfg-3e-S 7-19, 21/06, 06/05/07

6
0
7 174
To 260
Sequence:

0
16
283
3

0
20
20

0
30
126
7

0
20
110
1

0
0
325

0
0
185
4,5

0
260

6
7

0
260

325
185

0
1.405

7
2

(b) Network diagram: Combine operations 4 and 5 into one operation; call it operation 4.
66
74
300

180
20

16
112

50
174

53

120

46

155

226

325
45

75

12

30

25

(c) Utilization and production capacity

Op.
1
2
3
4*
6
7

Throughput
285 pc/wk
283 pc/wk
320 pc/wk
236 pc/wk
325 pc/wk
260 pc/wk

Production rate
9 pc/hr
15 pc/hr
10 pc/hr
12 pc/hr
15 pc/hr
9 pc/hr

Capacity
369 pc/wk
600 pc/wk
400 pc/wk
480 pc/wk
600 pc/wk
360 pc/wk

Hrs/wk
31.7 hr
18.9 hr
32.0 hr
19.7 hr
21.7 hr
28.9 hr

Utilization
0.792
0.472
0.800
0.492
0.542
0.722

* Operations 4 and 5 combined into operation 4.

(d) and (e) Cell design and one page essay: Student exercises. There is no single correct solution to this design
problem.

155