DESIGN PROCESS MODELING OF PROCESS PLANNING FOR FLEXIBLE LINES BASED ON CONCEPTUAL GRAPHS AND DESIGN RULES. APPLIED TO CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING

摘要

Process planning for mass-produced parts in the manufacturing industry requires a long and critical approach as both product/process data interaction and technical and cost-effectiveness parameters are crucial. Within the RENAULT Powertrain Division, the scope of our research work is to define process plans for prismatic parts machined on flexible production lines. A process plan is the outcome of a constraints analysis based on quality, cost, lead time, strategy and innovation goals. The first step of our work consists in identifying and formalizing any constraints: manufacturing process constraints (machining, assembly, etc.), product geometry, functional constraints (camshaft bearing lines, combustion face, etc.) and production constraints (volume, mix, etc.). Using conceptual graphs associated with the Design Rules methodology enables us to view precisely several functional conditions to be met for a product. One of the key features of the Design Rules methodology is to provide feasibility areas used to assess whether a product may or not be machined on a production line. In addition conceptual models are also used to identify and set procedural rules to limit technical risks and re-use already developed practical skills.