Abstract
This paper presents comparison studies between a multi-task machine tool and conventional machine tools with respect to the production lead time and cost. In particular, the machining of a part that has both box and cylindrical geometries is considered. For small lot production of a part that has 6∿8 surfaces to be machined (excluding the ones machined by turning), an estimation method of the machining lead time and the total machining cost (including the machine cost) is presented. Two case studies show that the machining by a multi-task machine tool is more effective than the conventional machining strategy using a lathe and a vertical-type machining center, from the viewpoint of not only the machining lead time, but also the machining cost.
