The energy-aware nesting and scheduling problem on a single selective laser melting machine: mathematical model and solution approach
研究了通过集成优化嵌套和调度决策来降低单台选择性激光熔化机床总能耗的问题，提出了混合整数线性规划模型和基于变邻域搜索的数学启发式算法，实验验证了节能效果。
Reducing energy consumption in additive manufacturing is critical due to its extensive industrial applications. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include maximising batch utilisation, minimising the z-height of the build, and optimising part orientation. However, achieving these optimisations when printing a variety of parts in a single build or across different builds involves complex decisions and trade-offs. This study focuses on assessing the energy-saving potential of a selective laser melting (SLM) machine through the integrated use of these strategies. We formulate the problem as a nesting and scheduling challenge aimed at minimising total machine energy consumption. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed to determine optimal build orientation selection, part-to-batch assignment, and part placement. To handle larger-scale problems, we propose a matheuristic approach based on the variable neighbourhood search framework and fix-and-optimise heuristic. Through numerical experiments, we demonstrate the energy-saving benefits of optimising the nesting and scheduling decisions on a single SLM machine. Furthermore, the efficiency of our proposed solution approach is validated through comparisons with an off-the-shelf solver, several constructive heuristics, two simplified variants of the proposed approach, and a metaheuristic proposed in the literature. Finally, we derive managerial insights to support energy-efficient decision-making in SLM machines.