An integrated intelligent process planning system (IIPPS) for machining

A key component of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is computer aide d process planning (CAPP). Process planning in machining involves the deter mination of the cutting operations and sequences, the selection of machine tools and cutting tools, the calculation of machining parameters, and the g eneration of CNC part programs. Industrial structures in Norway are defined as small and medium-sized companies. The important fact is how well these companies use high technologies and resources in order to improve their pro duction efficiency, product quality, and company competition in internation al markets. The concept of an integrated intelligent system (IIS) is create d for this purpose. A prototype system, the integrated intelligent process planning system (IIPPS), is described for machining; it was developed on th e basis of an IIS and constructed using three levels of effort: (1) AutoCAD , (2) dBASE III and (3) KnowledgePro. The system may be utilized not only b y a process planning engineer in a company, but also by students of mechani cal or industrial engineering.