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By proposing an optimization model for a new automated liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) system in order to increase its productivity, the paper tries to identify the best algorithm to solve this case study. The architecture of the system is dictated by the successive stages of the inspection process and the available conditions in the work shop. As a novelty in the field, the authors developed such a fully automated LPI system for inspecting different parts, which eliminates the need of the visual inspection made by operator, using instead dedicated software solution for processing the digital images of the inspected parts and for giving the pass/fail verdict. In the present case study, the attention was focused on optimizing the new LPI system architecture. Simulations in different working scenarios are run with the purpose to increase productivity by optimizing the critical waiting times within the system and by establishing the best order for inspecting parts belonging to three families subjected to LPI method. Moreover, the results of the simulation are used for programming the system by setting the optimal values of the functional parameters of system's equipment in order to avoid running a large number of tests which are expensive and time consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper we will present a multipolar manufacturing network simulation using a new approach in discrete material flow management. We validate this aproach using a case study of three partners network acting in a virtual enterprise architecture, analyzed in order to optimize the manufacturing design. Two of them represent product suppliers, and the third represents the enterprise where the assembling will take place, after which the final product will result. In order to evaluate the architecture of the system, we used simulation models of the material flow for the three FMS, using the Witness software. The purpose of the simulation is to introduce our new methodology for multipolar distributed simulation of the material flow in the manufacturing networks in order to optimise the activity between partners and to increase the profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]