Smart Drilling: A computer-based system for planning drilling operations.

In this thesis, a prototype computer aided process planning system--Smart Drilling System is presented. The system will be able to automatically generate plans for multiple hole drilling process, such as tool selection, drilling sequence, and etc. The system contains four modules: (1) Tool selection module, (2) Machining condition design module, (3) NC code generation module, and (4) Simulation module. In the tool selection module, a generative searching and planning algorithm is applied. Fuzzy logic was utilized to make decisions in tool selection. The module can group the drills according to their size and shape, and select optimal drills that will drill maximum number of holes. This will guarantee the minimum tool changes and reduce the machining time. It also can minimize the drill travelling time by ensuring the drills always finish the nearest holes first. The machining condition design module is implemented to determine machining conditions (speed, feedrate, etc.), based on the minimization of production cost. The NC code generation module can automatically generate the NC code, which is APT format. Finally, the simulation module is able to display the drilling operation by using VERICUT$\sp\circler$. In total, 20 simulation examples were tested by using the Smart Drilling System. From the simulation results, the system could save approximately 50% cycle time compared to sequence drilling planning. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 37-01, page: 0336. Adviser: Ruxu Du. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1997