Machining Process Evaluation Indices for Developing a Computer Aided Process Planning System

Abstract

In the manufacturing industry, there is an urgent need to shorten the manufacturing lead time of products. Therefore, optimizing process planning is essential to realize high efficiency machining. In this study, in order to develop a computer aided process planning (CAPP) system using previously proposed machining features, a prediction method for some process evaluation indices is proposed. Many candidates for the machining process exist, depending on the recognized machining features in a previous study. Therefore, by using these indices, operators can select a suitable process from among these candidates according to their ideas. Case studies of process planning are conducted to confirm that the operator’s strategy affects the selection of the machining process candidates. From the case study results, it is found that the proposed process evaluation indices have potential use in determining the machining process utilized, and are suitable for a flexible CAPP system of multi-tasking machine tools.