Optimization of Manufacturing Operations Using a New Interactive Computer-Aided Process Planning Program

摘要

Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) has evolved in recent years to simplify and enhance process planning resulting in a more effective use of manufacturing resources. However, it still continues to be a time consuming process which requires significant human interaction. Although advanced CAD/CAM systems can directly input critical design information such as dimensions and tolerances directly to the CAPP program, it is difficult to generate dynamic process plans that consider tooling life, process costs, alternative processes, and operations sequences issues simultaneously. In this paper, a procedure and the related software for a new interactive CAPP program that accounts for tool selection, tool switch scheduling, travel scheduling, operations sequence, processing costs, and machining speed specifications is presented. A statistical cost model is built based on feature tolerance information and process accuracy information. The program automatically generates multiple potential process plans based on different criteria out of which the optimal process plan can be selected based on the processing costs.