An assesment was made of the technology of manufacturing simulation of discrete part manufacturing for specific applications of a small polymer composites company. The objectives were: • Assess potential use for optmizing existing operations or for planning future projects and expansion; • Select suitable software; • Identify needed resources; and • Recommend an implementation plan. It should be emphasized that the scope of the assessment was very specific to a small company's needs and that the search was limited to existing software packages that were easy to use and low in cost. Simulation was applied to a new project, fabrication and carpeting of tire covers and seat backs for two automotive models. The Structural Reaction Injection Molding (SRIM) process was used fopr fabrication and carpet was applied in a bonding and assembly section. Capital and materials handling schemes has been determined previously, leaving operating modes and scheduling options as primary systems unknowns. Simulation of the process in operation provided a systems perspective leading to recommendations of operating strategies that were not obvious.
simulation; scheduling; composites manufacturing
