An Introduction To Automated Process Planning Systems

Provides up-to-date information on computer-aided manufacturing from selection and installation to operation in a world-class manufacturing environment. Includes a wide range of process planning applications, shows how to use computer-automated process planning data, and reviews newly emerging techn

Please note this is a Short Discount publication. Process planning involves creating detailed plans of the manufacturing steps and equipment necessary to produce a finished part. Using the variant method, CAPP groups families of parts by a structured classification and coding plan. This report summarizes the state–of–the–art and future trends in the area of CAPP. The computer is a vital part of the process planning function, which includes two different approaches. One is called the variant (similar part) method of process planning and the other is generative (expert system–based). Both will produce similar process plans. Most computer applications, however, are of the variant type, because the software is easier to develop and new process plans are based on previous ones.

With the rapid development of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) is becoming incresingly important since it plays a key role in CIM. This book systematically discusses process planning and how to implement computerized process planning systems. In essence, the aim of the book is to provide a comprehensive review of CAPP from a manufacturing engineering perspective. Strong emphasis is placed on the understanding of the fundamental principles allied with the implementation of CAPP systems. The book also provides state-of-the-art knowledge on all aspects of computerized manufacturing process planning technologies. Criteria on how to evaluate CAPP systems are also included. The book can be used as a graduate text for courses on Manufacturing Process Planning and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. It is also eminently suitable as a reference book for guiding research activities in the area of developing CAPP systems and production integration. Production managers and manufacturing engineers will also find the book useful to update their knowledge.

The Current state of expectations is that Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) will ulti mately determine the industrial growth of world nations within the next few decades. Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), Robotics together with Knowledge and Information Based Systems (KIBS) and Com munication Networks are expected to develop to a mature state to respond effectively to the managerial requirements of the factories of the future that are becoming highly integrated and complex. CIM represents a new production approach which will allow the factories to deliver a high variety of products at a low cost and with short production cycles. The new technologies for CIM are needed to develop manufacturing environments that are smarter, faster, close-cou pled, integrated, optimized, and flexible. Sophistication and a high degree of specialization in materials science, artificial intelligence, communications technology and knowledge-information science techniques are needed among others for the development of realizable and workable CIM systems that are capable of adjusting to volatile markets. CIM factories are to allow the production of a wide variety of similar products in small batches through standard but multi mission oriented designs that accommodate flexibility with specialized software.

With a specific focus on the needs of the designers and engineers in industrial settings, The Mechanical Systems Design Handbook: Modeling, Measurement, and Control presents a practical overview of basic issues associated with design and control of mechanical systems. In four sections, each edited by a renowned expert, this book answers diverse questions fundamental to the successful design and implementation of mechanical systems in a variety of applications. Manufacturing addresses design and control issues related to manufacturing systems. From fundamental design principles to control of discrete events, machine tools, and machining operations to polymer processing and precision manufacturing systems. Vibration Control explores a range of topics related to active vibration control, including piezoelectric networks, the boundary control method, and semi-active suspension systems. Aerospace Systems presents a detailed analysis of the mechanics and dynamics of tensegrity structures Robotics offers encyclopedic coverage of the control and design of robotic systems, including kinematics, dynamics, soft-computing techniques, and teleoperation. Mechanical systems designers and engineers have few resources dedicated to their particular and often unique problems. The Mechanical Systems Design Handbook clearly shows how theory applies to real world challenges and will be a welcomed and valuable addition to your library.

The book is the complete introduction and applications guide to this new technology. This book introduces the reader to features and gives an overview of geometric modeling techniques, discusses the conceptual development of features as modeling entities, illustrates the use of features for a variety of engineering design applications, and develops a set of broad functional requirements and addresses high level design issues.