Optimisation and simulation of an e-bike manufacturing system: the case of a small assembly factory. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hernández, Pedro González; Barrientos, Aida Huerta; Mota, Idalia Flores De La
• Is Part Of: International journal of service and computing oriented manufacturing. Volume 3:Number 2/3(2018)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: electric bicycles -- sustainable transportation -- optimisation via simulation -- manufacturing throughput -- discrete event-simulation -- Anylogic™ -- decision-making -- OpQuest™; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; Manufacturing industries -- Information technology -- Periodicals; Manufacturing industries -- Computer networks -- Periodicals; Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) -- Periodicals; 670.285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-175X

Abstract

The production possibilities of electric bicycles range from simple assemblies to in-plant production of main components such as the engine or frame. In Mexico, small companies were the first to produce e-bikes; however, this sector faces the lack of theoretical tools for the design and implementation of their manufacturing systems. The purpose of this study was to develop a simulation model of an e-bike manufacturing system that maximises the system productivity. The model was developed using the DES methodology proposed by Jerry Banks and was implemented in Anylogic ™ software. The design and analysis of experiments was performed using Minitab ® software. The simulation time was defined according to the user, so the working time was 160 hours per month, producing a daily unit. The results indicated that the maximum system productivity was 300 units per year. The best times achieved were: 2.35 units per hour, for the material flow, for welding 1 h, for the turning process 0.58 h and finally for the electrical assembly 0.66 h.