A COMPUTERIZED PROCESS PLANNING SYSTEM USING TOOL CLASSIFICATION AND CODING
Abstract
Process Planning is the subsystem responsible for the conversion of design data to work instructions in the manufacturing system. It is basic to achieving economic production and its automation is one of the first steps toward a computer integrated manufacturing system. This research is concerned with the development of a system for the computerized operation planning of the rotational parts. The system is composed of a cutting tool classification and coding system, an operation planning data base, and a series of computer programs that performed three basic functions. In SORT mode, the system sorts the different categories of cutting tools according to any given set of sort keys. In SEARCH mode, the system searches through the whole inventory of cutting tools and selects through the whole inventory of cutting tools and selects the tools having certain desired geometric or functional characteristics. In its main mode, SELECT, the system selects the appropriate cutting tools and determines the machining parameters to be used for operations needed to manufacture the rotational workpieces. The tool classification code consists of 22 positions and describes, in detail, the characteristics of the cutting tools. The operation planning data base contains the information related to the geometrical and technological features of the available cutting tools, the specifications of the machine tools, and the parameters that influence the selection of machining parameters. The input to the system for the SELECT mode includes the information describing the workpiece, the operations to be performed, and the machine tool to be used. The workpiece geometry is analyzed and sequentially all the possible values for the different positions of the code are explored. The tool code is progressively completed and the system will find all the available cutting tools. The machining parameters are then determined according to the table look up, minimum cost, maximum production rate, or fixed tool life criterion. The different procedures of the system are based on parameters which can be easily modified to tailor the system to suit specific situations. Examples used to illustrate the operation of the system indicated the accuracy of the results and the effectiveness of the system as a preliminary tool for a manufacturing company.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering
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