Fuzzy set-based set-up planning system with the ability for online learning

Abstract

Set-up planning is an important part of computer-aided process planning and it has been tackled in a number of ways. A brief review of the literature in the area of set-up planning is presented. Considering the fact that set-up planning has to be carried out in an environment of uncertainty, particularly in feature precedence relations and datum selection, a fuzzy set-based expert system using a C language integrated production system shell is proposed for the machining of prismatic parts in this work. The proposed expert system has the capability to modify and adapt itself to the changes based on the shop-floor data. Adaptation to the changing scenario is a crucial factor in this era of lean and agile manufacturing. Traditional softwares for automating set-up planning are static in nature and they do not respond to the changes in the situation. The proposed expert system provides set-ups, sequence of operation within a set-up, primary datum for each set-up, and a checklist to be used on the shop floor for providing the appropriate feedback. The feedback is used for modifying the set-up plan in an appropriate way. The methodology is illustrated with the help of an example.