3.2 Step 2: preparation of the extended combined precedence diagram

With the determination of the number of types of machines, and the assignment of products to machines obtained in the previous stage, the precedence restrictions deliver the extended combined precedence diagram shown in Figure 6, where the virtual machine 12 differs from the rest because in it the two benders with the largest capacity operate simultaneously in the production of pillar-type products. These products have a larger size, so it is advisable to use both benders one next to the other to mechanize the product and, in this way, reduce the processing time of this operation.
