DECISION MAKING IN A MULTI-CONSTRAINT AGENT-BASED PROCESS PLANNING SYSTEM

摘要

This paper describes the interactions and decision making between two machining process planning modules in a networked-based machining service called CyberCut. A form-quality process planning module has been developed to achieve part accuracy. An edge-precision process planning module is introduced to enhance the edge quality, and to lower the secondary machining cost. These two planning modules generate distinct process plans during the macro, micro and tool path planning stages. The interaction between the two planning modules, and the decision making in selecting the suitable process plans based on a bottom-up hierarchical exploration within an agent-based environment are described. A metric is established to coordinate the two planning modules based on the user specified edge quality, form error tolerance, and minimal overall machining cost. Case studies are included to demonstrate the interactions and decision making process.