A structured approach to the automatic planning of machining operations for rotational parts based on computer integration of standard design and process data

The traditional procedure for developing a manufacturing process plan involves a number of interconnected steps beginning with the initial design and culminating in the instructions for the machine that makes the part. When performed manually, the procedure is very tedious, time consuming, and often, inconsistent. This paper presents an alternative method, called the Automated Machining-Operations Process-Planning System (AMOPPS), to automatically generate the process plan and the numerical control (NC) instructions to machine a part that has been previously designed by a computer-aided design (CAD) system. AMOPPS combines preset planning logic and data from three databases (viz., workpiece material, machine tool, and cutting tool) with appropriate data from a CAD database and information from the user about the workpiece to calculate the optimal machining parameters, print a process plan, print the corresponding NC program listing, and provide an on-screen animation of the cutting passes. Although AMOPPS is a prototype, it can be extended by adding other modules, and it does provide a structure through which a fully integrated manufacturing system can be developed.