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Automated feature ordering for generative process planning systems
Author(s) -
Isik I.,
Mileham A.R.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
expert systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1468-0394
pISSN - 0266-4720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0394.1992.tb00389.x
Subject(s) - computer science , feature (linguistics) , component (thermodynamics) , modular design , process (computing) , computer aided process planning , identification (biology) , plan (archaeology) , generative grammar , cad , feature model , engineering drawing , artificial intelligence , programming language , engineering , software , mechanical engineering , history , philosophy , linguistics , physics , botany , archaeology , biology , thermodynamics , machining
Generative computer aided process planning (CAPP) systems are typically split into two main modules. The first is concerned with the identification of component features and their parameters, while the second addresses the problem of automatically ordering the manufacture of the features into an efficient process plan. BEPPS is a CAPP system under preparation at the University of Bath. It has been designed with a modular structure that includes modules for conventional machines, NC machines, tooling and fixtures, cost estimating and links to both CAD and Production Management Systems. This paper concentrates on the BEPPS‐ROT module for planning rotational components on conventional machine tools, and in particular on the methodology adopted for feature ordering. The novel feature ordering logic is based on rules gathered from industry and takes into account the constraints imposed by such features as the work holding arrangements and the need to rechuck the component during manufacture. After the feature identification stage has been completed the feature ordering logic enables machine tools and equipment to be selected and the process plan to be generated automatically.