A CAPP framework with optimized process parameters for rotational components

Abstract

Process planning, as a critical stage integrating the design and manufacturing phase in a manufacturing environment, has been automated to meet the needs for higher productivity and lower production cost. Being an input to various systems such as scheduling and routing, process planning results are of great importance in the manufacturing stage. Though feature extraction and sequence optimization have been given much attention, the process parameters are rarely dealt with. This paper focuses on the development of a new generative computer aided process planning (CAPP) framework for rotational components. The developed framework includes modules for feature extraction based on CAD application programming interfaces, determination of the optimum sequence and generation of optimum process parameters. The optimization of the machining operations is achieved using the evolutionary technique. The approach resulted in the reduction and prediction of machining time and cost. The framework is demonstrated with a case study.