A model to optimize placement operations on dual-head placement machines

Dual-head placement machines are important in the assembly of circuit cards because they offer the capability to place large components accurately. This paper presents a novel column-generation approach for optimizing the placement operations of a dual-head placement machine with the ultimate goal of improving the efficiency of assembly operations. Research objectives are a model that reflects relevant, practical considerations; a solution method that can solve instances within reasonable run times; and tests to establish computational benchmarks. Test results demonstrate the efficacy of our optimization approach on problems of realistic size and scope. c © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.