An expert system of machining operation planning in Internet environment

A framework for machining operation planning systems is discussed, in which machining know-how, extracted and organized from electronic tool catalogs and machining instance databases available in the Internet environment plays a principal role. A system concept based on the use of reference machining instance data is proposed, which is derived from the investigation of tool catalogs, related international standards, reference textbooks, and handbooks. The format is used partly during user input and database inquiry to extract required data effectively from the databases. In developing system organization, WWW technology, including XML markup language and the Java programming language, is utilized. A prototype system to advise the engineer of cutting conditions including trouble shooting for side end milling is developed to demonstrate the concept. For a feasibility test, sample databases of tool catalogs and the machining instance data of heat resistant super alloys are implemented and used. From the case studies, the concept and the implementation method are evaluated, and found to be practical and effective at the time the information infrastructure is established. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.