Approach to Machining Setup Process Planning of NC Machine Tools Based on Graph Theory

Abstract

Setup datum of fixture design is an important factor of Numerical Control (NC) machining process planning. Using graph theory of FTG (Feature Tolerance relationship Graph) and DMG (Datum and Machining feature relationship Graph) technology, the feature relationship was proposed to construct a relational table of DMMT (Datum and Machining and Machine Tools) in NC machining setup process. The degree of graph as a discriminant evidence of the machining setup datum was given, so that the machining setup process planning was correctly designed. Combined with the capability of NC machine tools, the unit normal vector of feature facet between the feature datum and machining facet were multiplied to determine the fixture capability, which provide a reasonable proposal of machining setup process for multi-position rotation and multi-piece fixture design. Finally, a case study of machining setup process planning and multi-piece fixture equipment design from corporation was presented to verify the feasibility of the method that was based on the graph theory.