MACHINE PLANNING IN A PRODUCT MODEL ENVIRONMENT

In recent years the integration of computer-based design and manufacture activities has received significant research effort as it has major potential to improve industrial performance. Product modelling is becoming accepted as the mechanism by which a central source of product data can be captured to provide an integrating mechanism between a range of design and manufacture functions. This paper describes the use of activity and data modelling methods to define an integrated planning system. From this an experimental system has been produced, building and integrating machine planning functions in a CAE system, employing a product modelling environment. The software implementation of this concentrates on planning and NC code generation functions for the machining of 21/2-dimensional prismatic components from solid stock on a three-axis vertical machining centre.