Study On CAPP For Information Driven Process Planning

Process planning is one of the most important functions in any manufacturing system, and has been recognized as the link between design and manufacturing. CAPP (Computer-Aided Process Planning) is the application of computer to assist the human process planner in process planning function and has a history more than thirty years. During last two decade, with the development of advanced manufacturing and computer technology, some different requirements and demands on CAPP were put forward, and many CAPP systems were developed and put into use. Up to now, two main trends exist which are different in understanding of CAPP concept, research on CAPP methods, and development of CAPP systems. One is function-oriented CAPP in order to fulfill process planning of mechanical machining parts automatically by computer, the other is data-oriented CAPP which focus on the process information management for whole product. Function-oriented CAPP pursues intelligent manufacturing while data-oriented CAPP emphasis integration. Both are essential key issue for achieving advanced manufacturing system such as CIMS (Computer Integrated Manufacturing System), hi order to improve the development and application of CAPP, considering of the current requirements and future trends, it is necessary to combine two trends and motivate further research with the aid of information technology.In this dissertation, research work aimed at information driven process planning are described. All efforts are made in CAPP concept, CAPP methods, and CAPP system. The main points are summarized as follows:1. The role of process planning is discussed under integrated product design and manufacturing process. Realizing information driven process planning is regarded as main idea. Then human-oriented CAPP is proposed. Task becomes the kernel instead of function and data in human-oriented CAPP. Not 'automatic' but 'aid' is emphasized.2. Static conceptual model and dynamic task model for process planning are established. The former describes the key factors and their relationship of process planning and the later provides a running mode based on task. The two kind of model form the base of information driven process planning.3. CAPP systems are concerned and a new conceptual framework is presented, including hierarchical structure, system architecture, and development and application model. New CAPP system should be a complete solution to information driven process planning.4. The practical development on XK-3C project is described, and then some key issues about process planning including standardization and fomialization and procedure are putforward.All research link each other and point out a new way to improve CAPP grow.