CAPP System Research Articles

Architecture Design and Realization for Virtual Manufacturing Oriented CAPP System

In order to realize high efficiency and high integration of the virtual manufacturing system and strengthen the integration of CAD/CAPP/CAM, the paper presents the architecture of virtual manufacturing oriented CAPP system and its realizing method. The method of parts information input is used for the system to connect with CAD directly. The system utilizes object-oriented knowledge representation method and database technology, establishes process knowledge database and carries on the effective management. Using the idea of modular, the virtual processing information can be fed back to design system in real-time, the process can be optimized it and form a closed loop CAPP system by using genetic algorithm. The virtual manufacturing technology of CAPP system enhances the design level and quality and improves the flexibility, scalability and dynamic adaptability of CAPP system.

D018 Development of CAPP System for Multi-tasking Machining of Complex Shapes

NC programming for multi-tasking machine tools requires much time and labor. The study proposes the rationalization of the process planning by extracting the machining feature in consideration with turning and milling from targeted complex shapes to be machined and by both selecting the suitable machining method and arranging the machining order automatically. As a result, it is expected to reduce the preparatory time on CAM system, using output data from the proposed system. Applying the system to several product shapes containing both turning feature and milling feature, it is confirmed that NC data can be obtained for each shape without any problem.

Advanced feature detection algorithms for incrementally formed sheet metal parts

New advanced algorithms for the detection of detailed features in parts formed by single point incremental forming (SPIF) were developed. The features were detected in STL part specifications that took into account the geometry, curvature, location, orientation and process parameters to detect 33 different features within an expert CAPP system for SPIF. The detection process was facilitated by using multi-level edge segmentation routines that first created a frame of edge features. Within this frame, the remaining features were then detected using region growing algorithms. The results show successful detection for a number of test cases. A case study for a double curved hemisphere illustrates the generation of optimal tool paths using compensation for the detected features in the part. These tool paths lead to the improvement in the accuracy of the formed sheet metal parts.

Calling Method of Process Sheet in Interactive Round-Hole Broach CAPP System

On the basis of analyzing the present condition of manufacturing process planning in various factories, we formulate the calling strategy of the interactive round-hole broach CAPP system based on Solidworks to realize the system function, general structure and operation mode of the system. The method can reduce the duplication of labor during the process design while improve the design efficiency and the accuracy of process data.

A Generative CAPP System for Tube Hydro Forming

Tube hydro forming (THF) is a relatively complex manufacturing process. The performance of the process depends on many factors such as part geometry and design, material and process and the boundary condition of forming. Studying the behaviour of the process is by Finite Element-Computer Aided Engineering process has now become very popular and therefore, X- and T-branch shaped tubes have been taken to study the forming behaviour under THF coupled thermal and updated forming formulation through explicit solver as DEFORM using Computer Aided Engineering procedure. The simulation results have been compared with the experimental results and it agrees well. It is noted that the developed branch height and the wall thickness distribution along different planes of X and T are in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on several parametric studies and the simulation result, a Generative Process Planning system for THF has been proposed and validated with examples.

Development of CAPP System for Multi-Tasking Machine Tool

Development of CAPP System for Multi-Tasking Machine Tool

Development of CAPP Tools System Based on the Derivative and Retrieved

Making a CAPP system which has both practicality and versatility is still a problem to be solved. Aiming at this problem, an idea of developing an integrated derivative and retrieved type of CAPP tool system is presented, and combined with a development practice, the structure and some key technologies of the system is also introduced.

Using Ontology and Rule-Based Reasoning for Supporting Automatic Process Plan for Milling Prismatic Parts

Nowadays, the manufacturing enterprises are in a highly dynamic environment because of the continuous changes of market. Therefore, the integration of product’s data and manufacturing data are paid much attention of researchers due to its role in improving the reliability and flexibility of manufacturing process. In this paper, we present a new approach of using ontology and rule-based reasoning to support this integration. Contributions of this research consist of establishing an architecture of semantic CAPP system (s-CAPP), using OWL (Web Ontology Language) and SWRL (Semantic Web Rule Language) to describe the information of machining parts and manufacturing equipments, presenting the definition of feasible process plan through rule-based reasoning with SWRL and JESS, and giving a case study on s-CAPP system.

Setup Planning Automation of Turned Parts Based on STEP-NC Standard

STEP-NC(ISO 14649), the extension of STEP(ISO 10303) standard developed for CNC controllers, is a feature-based data model. STEP-NC develops the step neutral data standard for CAD data, and uses the modern geometric constructs to define device independent tool paths, and CAM independent volume removal features. This paper will present an automatic setup planning module integrated in a CAPP system for rotational parts to be machined on a lathe. The developed system will determine the possible setup combinations that are necessary for a complete machining of the part. The applied methodology will take into consideration constraints such as the geometry of both the stock and the final part, the geometry and the capacity of the chuck, and the part tolerances. Finally, the analysis of tolerances charts will be implemented for the sets of surfaces to be machined within each setup. The output can be then used to augment the STEP-NC physical file.

The Research of the Semi-Generative CAPP System Design Based on Rough Set

The current CAPP system has complicated operation, not high degree of intelligence, can not meet the needs of many varieties of small batch production. This paper combines the method of parts surface elements describing and method of parts coding. Formed by the 20-bit code to establish a hybrid coding system, used rough set to extract the parts feature, used the information system method to reduce the rule of processing, and from match the feature and the expert knowledge base, Automatic selection processing methods to generate process routes; use database technology to build parts diagrams and other databases, semi-automatic process documentation.

Research on the Algorithm of Technological Dimension Chain Based on 3D Process Models

Aiming at the wide application of technological design in three-dimensional CAD software, while the technological dimension chain’s calculation is completed in the two-dimensional process sketch still. A sort of method of calculating technological dimension chain was put forward, which is based on three-dimensional process model. Three-dimensional process model is created through the process of technological design by introducing the concept of three-dimensional process model, and then, the information of process dimension is extracted from the three-dimensional process model and a tree oriented process dimension structure is established. On the basis of the above, we can proceed with technological dimension chain’s integrated calculation and analysis, redistributing the process dimension and its corresponding allowance dimension and tolerance. It will offer more reasonable and reliable process parameters to the technologists in the design of process route, and also effectively solve the problems of the technological dimension chain’s calculation involving to CAPP system in the environment of three-dimensional CAD software.

Study on the Recognition Algorithms of Hole and Drawing Boss Features in Auto Body Panels Based on UG

Feature recognition is the key technology in establishing auto body panel CAPP system. Hole features and draw boss features has been classified according to their forming and function properties in this paper. Recognition algorithms have been developed for hole feature and drawing boss feature, which can also distinguish two dimensional hole and three dimensional hole, and differentiate circle hole and non circle hole automatically. The algorithms can also recognize the drawing bosses and judge whether the boss has holes. Furthermore, the algorithms can give out the parameters of hole and drawing boss recognized, such as radius of circle hole, minimum radius of curvature of shaped hole’ boundaries, the parameters of hole in the drawing boss, the edges’ ID of the hole and the surfaces’ ID of the boss.

Study and Development of CAPP Template Customization System

This Document Proposes a System of Process Planning Template Design Based on XML. in this System, the Process Planning Documents Are Described by XML. the Author Analyzed the Process Card Template Model, and Devised a Template Design Function. Using this Function, Planners Are Able to Design and Modify Process Planning Cards According to their Requirements. the System Supplies a Uniform Interactive Platform for the Identical Type of Process Documents, and Lays a Strong Foundation for the Further Versatility and Practicability of a CAPP System.

Research on the Cooperative CAPP Modularity Technique Supporting the ETO Product

The ETO product’s modularity manufacture needs the ETO product’s modular design as a foundation. By fully distinguishing and exploiting the geometry similarity, the structure similarity, the function similarity and the process similarity of the multi-ETO products, using the methods of standardization, modularization and serialization, the ETO products as well as the corresponding manufacture systems are modularized. In view of various standard components and parts produced by the modular design and manufacture, the products needed for the customers are directly assembled using a set of the advanced operation flow suitable for the modular assembly, and selecting the appropriate standard parts. Thus the production cost, the assembly cost as well as the inventory cost and so on are reduced. The modular manufacture is using the modular technology in the manufacture process to form the overall integrated production and assembly system of the components, and to recompose the manufacture process promptly according to the specific production. This paper proposed the optimization method of production organization, established the CAPP system’s architecture based on the modularity technique supporting the ETO product and developed the cooperative CAPP platform of the multi-functional hydraulic lift machinery.

Development and Application of CAPP System Used for Large Forgings

To improve the efficiency of process planning, an CAPP system is developed according to the complexity and particularity of process design for large forgings,. The feature functions of the system are analyzed. The key techniques are discussed. The application results show that the process plans of about 70% large forgings are designed by the system and the efficiency of process planning is improved 4-8 times.

Key Technology Research on Intelligent CAPP System of Automatic Machine Process

The CAPP system architecture based on PDM was proposed to realize the integration of Information and function, which was built on the analysis for the processing characteristics of shaft parts of automatic machines. By proposing the multi-level parts feature information modeling and process feature information modeling, developing of automatic sequencing expert system for the shaft parts of automata, it typically realizes intelligent process planning, automatic confirming of cutting usages, automatic selection of technology resources and automatic calculation of cutting tools’ travel, working stroke and tool control parameters of CAM.

Research on Network-Based Intelligent EDM CAPP System

A framework for building network-based EDM CAPP system using intelligent technology to support organizations characterized by physically distributed, enterprise-wide, heterogeneous intelligent manufacturing system over Internet is proposed. Expert system theory is introduced. Rule-Based reasoning and Case-Based reasoning method are introduced to reason EDM method. Genetic Algorithm is applied to optimize EDM technological parameter. Fuzzy reasoning algorithm is applied to select technological data. Artificial Neural Network is applied to forecast technological effect. Internet environment and Technological knowledge database modules are introduced. Instances are also introduced to testify feasibility.

Manufacturing Feature Modeling System Framework Based on XML and UG Platform

Feature modeling technology is the requirement of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). It is one of the key technologies of CAD/CAPP/CAM integrated system to build a shared part feature model. A feature modeling system can provide not only the geometry information of a part, but also the processing information of the part, which is needed by the latter CAM system, to realize information share and exchange between CAX systems. In the paper, feature concept, feature classification, model structure and modeling method based on features are introduced. Then, an interactive feature modeling method is presented. According to the requirement of CAPP, the system developed can supply the processing information to generate the corresponding manufacturing feature model that can be output in XML file format for a CAPP system.

Study on the Algorithms of Holes Feature Recognition in Auto Body Panels Based on UG

Feature recognition is the key technology in establishing auto body panel CAPP system. For regular parts, it has made great achievements in features recognition, which has laid a foundation for feature recognition for complex shape parts, such as auto body panels. This paper has classified holes feature into two-dimensional holes, three-dimensional holes and special holes according to its forming and function properties, and established process expression mode of holes feature on account of the requirement of CAPP system. Algorithms have been developed for holes feature recognition based on recognition rules making use of geometric features of holes’ boundary in UG software, two-dimensional holes and three-dimensional holes can be automatically distinguished, circle holes and non circle holes can also be differentiated automatically, further more, the algorithms can give radius of circle hole and minimum radius of curvature of shaped hole’ boundaries.

CNC programming system for complex components based on KBE within integrated environment of CAD/CAPP/CAM

To promote the research and development of modern digital and intelligent manufacturing technology and overcome shortcomings of computerized numerical control(CNC) programming for complex components, an innovative idea has been proposed to introduce knowledge based engineering (KBE) into the field of CNC programming within the integrated environment of CAD/CAPP/ CAM. This paper constructs the architecture of CNC programming based on KBE within CAD/CAPP/CAM and explores the key technology of applying KBE to CNC programming — knowledge representation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge reasoning, and generalized knowledge base system of CNC programming. The integration of the CAD/CAM system and the CAPP system of enterprises has been achieved by taking the powerful CAD/CAM system of UG NX as a platform. The prototype system of CNC programming for complex components based on KBE within CAD/CAPP/CAM has been developed by means of UG/Open,VC ++ 6.0, and SQL Sever 2000. Finally, a frame example, one of the complex components of a marine diesel, is presented, and the academic production and the intelligence of the system are verified.