Genetic Algorithm Application to a Scheduling Problem in the Plastic Injection Molding Process

Abstract

Genetic Algorithm is applied to a scheduling problem in the plastic injection molding process. The problem is simplified by combinig the jobs with the same die. Total lateness to the due date is taken as an evaluation function and rather sufficient solution is obtained by GA. Moreover, a modified decoding procedure is proposed to optimize the second objective, without decreasing the original evaluation value. Simulation with real data in an industry shows an effectiveness of the proposed method.