Feature based approach for set up minimization of process design from product design

The current research presents a feature-based approach to minimize the number of set-ups in the machining process planning system. It analyses machining features with a set of knowledge-based rules to determine the machining process plan for a part. In this approach, features are classified according to the number of possible tool approach directions that can be used to machine them. This divides features into two classes: single tool approach direction (STAD) features and multiple tool approach direction (MTAD) features. The process planning system groups all the STAD features with the same tool approach directions into one set-up. MTAD features are integrated, if possible, into these set-ups by choosing the appropriate tool approach direction for each MTAD feature. If this is not possible, a new set-up is created. This minimizes the total number of set-ups for machining the part. Knowledge-based rules are applied to guide the search for proper ordering between machining processes and set-ups of a part. Subsequently, a machining process plan with a minimized number of set-ups is created. The process planning system that uses this approach can serve as an integral part of a feature-based product and process design system. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd