Machining Operation Process Planning System Considering User Strategies and Intentions
In this study, we propose a new process planning system for machining operations, one which considers user strategies and intentions for such operations. In previous process planning systems, the machining sequence is calculated geometrically, based on the Total Removal Volume (TRV) and the machining primitive region split from TRV. However, it remains difficult to determine the best machining sequence from among the large number of machining sequences calculated. Also, previous process planning systems do not consider user strategies and intentions in determining the appropriate machining sequence. Our new approach stores geometrical properties of the machining primitives when the user selects a machining sequence. Using these stored geometrical properties, the appropriate machining sequence can be automatically selected. User strategies and intentions are thus considered in determining a machining sequence based on learned geometrical properties. A case study was conducted to show the effectiveness of our proposed process planning approach. In the case study, user-specific machining sequences were automatically determined for various users, based on the relation among the geometrical properties of the machining primitives and the individual user’s strategies and intentions.