A Knowledge Based Approach for Automatic Process Plan Generation for Machining

Abstract: The present paper is aimed at developing an intelligent Computer-Aided Process Planning methodology based on application of a KBS for automatic generation of process plans for machining. It takes, as input, information about the different machining features present in the part and automatically generates a detailed sequence of machining operations including the precedence constraints, the different machining setups in accordance with the given Tool Approach Directions, the list of operations to be performed within each setup, the locating and clamping faces needed for fixturing the component as well as the setup sequence. To accomplish the above, a set of knowledge based rules have been developed and implemented using an Expert System Shell. The application of the proposed approach has been demonstrated using an example part. By using the proposed approach, it is anticipated, that process planning can be accomplished automatically and quickly by investigating a very limited amount of time making it attractive for applications in industry