An effective numerical control machining process reuse approach by merging feature similarity assessment and data mining for computer-aided manufacturing models

To effectively reuse existing numerical control machining process of similar feature, a novel numerical control machining process reuse approach by merging feature similarity assessment and data mining for computer-aided manufacturing models is proposed. First, a feature-based numerical control machining process model is proposed to formalize the links between machining feature and its associated machining operations. Based on feature-based numerical control machining process model, the machining know-how database is automatically generated through data mining for existing computer-aided manufacturing models. Then, an effective numerical control machining process reuse-enabled feature similarity assessment approach is presented to locate the similar features. Moreover, two numerical control machining process reuse modes are explored to reuse the associated machining operations of the selected similar feature. Finally, a prototype system based on CATIA has been developed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.