Machine capability and fixturing constraints-imposed automatic machining set-ups generation

An aspect of process planning that has not received a good deal of attention is set-up planning. Machine tool configuration and fixture constrain operations in process planning. The paper presents a set-up planning module as part of a feature-based process planning system with an access of a manufacturing database. Data on component geometry, dimensions and tolerances are used to extract constraint-imposed precedence relations between features. The geometric relationship between the fixture and the machine tool is represented in an object-oriented format. Taking machine capabilities and fixturing strategies into account, the set-up planning module automatically generates multiple machining set-ups via a procedure. A case study is given to demonstrate how the procedure works. The presented module helps facilitate automation of set-up planning implementations for machining of near net shape prismatic parts on shop floor. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.