3D Machining Process Planning Based on Machining Feature Recognition Technique

Abstract

In the model-based definition (MBD) scheme, activities of process planning need to be carried out in 3D environment. To realize the 3D computer-aided process planning (3D CAPP), the design solid model needs to be transferred into a representation as manufacturing features, features’ process requirement and product manufacturing information (PMI), and then the generative process planning techniques can be realized by inferring machining operations based machining feature knowledge base. A machining feature-based 3D computer-aided process planning approach is proposed for machining part. Design model is transferred into boundary representation (B-Rep). According to a machining features classification scheme, hybrid machining feature recognition technique is introduced. A part process information model is generated including machining features, feature relationship, feature’s process chain. For each recognized machining feature, a feature’s process chain is inferred from feature knowledge base, based on feature type, process requirements, dimension and tolerances, and the enterprise manufacturing resources. Process intermediate models corresponding to each process operation are generated automatically by applying geometry local modification operations. The complete process plan is generated and documented with detailed operation information and 3D process intermediate models. A 3D CAPP tool is developed on ACIS/HOOPS, with industrial cases to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of proposed method.