Many of our lines use cells. For example we have 3 cells on one line each containing a Mitsubishi MH-300 Mill, Mazak Dual Turn Horizontal Lathe, and Kasper Verticle Lathe. One operator runs the Mitsu and the Mazak, one runs the Kasper. Small baskets move the parts 15 feet or so between the machines on roller conveyors. No more than two cells run at one time which gives a spare cell the operators can move to when a machine goes down.
The above is a good idea, but you have to consider that I work for a big three manufacturer with seemingly endless money. Having extra cells is not something you are going to do in a small machining environment, but it works out great for automotive production....gary |