Total performance analysis of a downsized manufacturing system

Micro mechanical fabrication is one of the key manufacturing technologies. However, in terms of cost and environmental impact, existing systems are not very efficient. It should be leaner. As an answer, AIST developed the first prototype of microfactory and insisted it could reduce environmental impact of micro mechanical fabrication. However, the effect has not been quantified. In this report the authors propose a system efficiency index (TPI) based on system throughput, cost and environmental impact. TPI is useful in evaluating the configuration of a microfactory-like system. In addition, taking flexibility into account, modified index is considered to simulate the effect on diverse-types-and-small-quantity production.