VARIANT PROCESS PLANNING SYSTEM FOR TURNED COMPONENTS

Abstract

Computer-aided Process Planning (CAPP) is a major interface between computer aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufac- turing (CAM). In the present work, a Variant Process Planning system has been developed to prepare process plans for turned OY components. The Vari nt system uses Group Technology as a key for part family formation and coding the parts. Opitz system has been suitably modified for coding the parts and King's rank order clustering algorithm has been used for part family forma-tion. For each part family, a standard process plan is prepared and stored in computer files, which can be retrieved for similar new workpart. This system is capable of selecting : - the type of the work material - the feed, depth of cut and cutting speed for high speed steel - the cutting tool, depending upon the size of job - the machine tool, depending upon the process capability and cutting force. - alternate process plans for each part family The present system has been developed to retrieve process plans for five families of different components. The alternate process plans are evaluated on the basis of total machining time, nonproductive time, and the number of tool setup changes. The functioning of the software has been ascertained by generat- ing the process planning sheets. Recommendations for future work have also been made on the basis of present work