Dynamic planning model for determining cutting parameters using neural networks in feature-based process planning

Although feature-based computer-aided process planning plays a vital role in automating and integrating design and manufacturing for efficient production, its off-line properties prohibit the shop floor controllers from rapidly coping with unexpected production errors. The objective of the paper is to suggest a neural network-based dynamic planning model, by which the shop floor controllers determine cutting parameters in real-time based on shop floor status. At off-line is the dynamic planning model constructed as a neural network form, and then embedded into each removal feature. The dynamic planning model will be executed by the shop floor controllers to determine the cutting parameters. A prototype system is constructed to validate whether the dynamic planning model is capable of determining dynamically and efficiently the cutting parameters for a particular set of shop operating factors. Owing to the dynamic planning model, the shop floor controller will increase flexibility and robustness by rapidly and adaptively determining the cutting parameters in unexpected errors occurring.