Proposal of Process Planning System for End-Milling Operation Considering Product Design Constraints

Abstract

A new method of the process planning for end-milling operation considering product design constraints in this study. In our previous study, the process planning system, in which the Total Removal Volume is divided by the planes parallel with the XY, YZ or ZX planes to analyze machining sequence from top to bottom of the target product, is proposed. In this study, the process planning system, in which the Total Removal Volume is divided by all planes (including slope planes) existing on the target product, is proposed. Furthermore, the product design constraints or the designer’'s intention such as separate through holes which have the same central axis to be slide bearing is considered. A case study was conducted and the result showed that the proposed method can generate efficient multiple process plans for the machining operation. These multiple process plans or machining sequences are available to select adaptively the most suitable process plan or machining sequence under the several conditions such as the machine tool to be used and the product design constructions.