Using a resource intermittently during processing

[KevUni]

Is there a way to simulate using a resource intermittently during processing?

For example, a machining process involves cutting moves at the specified feed rate and it also includes "rapid" non-cutting moves. The cutting tool will only be consumed during the cutting moves and will not be consumed during the rapid moves, but all of these moves are encompassed in the term "processing"

Is there a way of modelling this behaviour in Simio?

Best

Kevin

[dsturrock]

Yes. You probably want to consider "Cutting" as a separate resource, not the server itself.

There are several ways to model that.

1) Use Task Sequences and model the activity as a series of tasks:

-Move to location

-Cut (using resource)

-Move to location

-Cut (using resource)

(repeat as necessary, possibly even specified in a data table

2) Do something similar within process logic:

-Delay for move

-Seize Cut

-Delay for cut

-Release cut

(repeat as necessary)

[KevUni]

Thanks for your reply Dave!

I like the idea of your second suggestion, as I am unfamiliar with using Data tables in Simio.

Kevin