A Computer-Aided and Integrated Machining System | 4 A Computer-Aided and Integrated Machining System Swee-Hock Yeo Nanyang Technological University Design Philosophy User Interface Feature Extraction The Feature Recognizer AutoCad Data Processor Analyzer Initial Feature Builder Machining Feature Builder The Knowledge Base Factual Knowledge Data Content Procedural Knowledge Selection of Operations Sequencing of Operations Selection of Tools Selection of Machining Conditions Generation of Tool Paths Concluding Remarks In order to arrive at a suitable solution be it for process planning or part programming the pressing issues faced in an integrated manufacturing system are in the following. 1. Interpretation of CAD data for machining-based operations. 2. System integration in the activities involved in process planning machinability data selection and tool path generation. 3. Update information arising from progress in manufacturing technology. 4. Decision making relating to manufacturing tasks. 5. Optimization strategy suitable for CNC processing capabilities. The concept of an integrated machining system for the generation of production plans is introduced in this work. The development of methodologies to address the above issues is presented. This chapter expounds on the work reported by Yeo Rahman and Wong 1991 and Yeo 1995 . Design Philosophy In this section the concept of an integrated knowledge-based machining system is described. A software tool GOLDWORKSTM Gold Hill 1989 with COMMON LISP as the programming platform is used for the development work. The software tool requires Microsoft Windows in a PC which can be feasibly deployed in a wide range of industries. The system is aimed to provide a vital step to a totally integrated 2001 by CRC Press LLC manufacturing environment. The integrated machining system IMS begins with the interpretation of a part drawing and transformation of the geometrical data into a frame structure of machining features. The system then assigns .
