An Integrated CAD/CAPP System with “Know-hows” on Machining Accuracies of Parts

Abstract

An prototype of an integrated CAD/CAPP system named CIMS has been developed. The sequence of machine tools and the machining sequence are determined by the CIMS based on the models of the parts designed by the CAD system. A modeling system was developed to construct the models of the parts which include both the geometrical information and the technological information of the accuracy, the surface roughness and the material. Since the machining sequence is influenced by the accuracy of the part, a systematic method was proposed to describe the know-hows which give the relations between the machining accuracies and the machining sequences. A procedure was proposed to determine the sequence of machine tools and the machining sequence by applying the know-hows. The system developed is able to generate suitable process plan which is almost the same as ones designed by the experienced process planners.