A Markov process model is built and solved for an automated two-machine cyclic manufacturing system. The system is composed of several automated machine tools, two unreliable machines with random processing times, restricted space for each storage, movable pallets, transfer lines, and workpiece loading/unloading facility.
It is assumed that each machine have exponential service, failure, and repair times. System design data are calculated to investigate the system's behavior.
It is shown that there exists the optimal number of pallets on the transfer line to maximize the production rate and also exists the optimal number of pallets and space for each storage to maximize the profit rate.
