Integrated system for automation of process, fixture and inspection planning

A novel planning system which can automatically accomplish machining plans with the appropriate fixture setup and inspection strategies have been presented. In this work, the primary steps that are required to achieve an automated process scheme, modular fixture design, and inspection planning have been described. The object-oriented approach has been employed to attain automation and integration of the design process, including fixtures and inspection modules. This kind of system is unique as it provides an integrated platform for three important manufacturing activities, namely process planning, fixture design, and inspection. The STEP has been employed as an input to the proposed framework. The computer-aided process planning module consists of geometric and dimensional data, machining feature recognition information and process planning files. The modular fixture layout design has been developed using the set of defined rules, search strategies and the graphical database of various fixturing components. The computer-aided inspection planning module automatically generates an inspection plan and Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard code for coordinate measuring machines. It is noticeable from the reported case study and its outcomes that the developed integrated environment can effectively be employed in different manufacturing industries for automated process planning, fixture design, and inspection.