Influence of variability of polymer processing on the manufacturing system

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present the influence of variability of polymer materials processing parameters on the production process. To determine this influence, the queuing theory and system dynamics method have been applied. Design/methodology/approach: The measurements and control of the time of operation can be performed by means of the traditional methods of statistical control. Full dynamics of the variability phenomenon can be reflected by means of computer simulation. Findings: The measurements of parameters on the basis of real manufacturing system have been performed. The dependences between the parameters have been determined and several computer simulations have been performed. On the basis of the obtained results the influence of the individual production parameters on the manufacturing system has been determined. Research limitations/implications: The performed analysis enabled to assume that the highest influence on the manufacturing process and especially on the time of material flow has the time of injection of the polymeric materials. Reductions in utilization tend to have a much larger impact on delay then reduction in variability. However, because capacity is costly, high utilization is usually desirable. Originality/value: The investigation results can be the basis to develop efficient methods for reduction of variability and hence the methods of production costs reduction. Variability reduction is often the key to achieving high efficiency logistical and manufacturing system.