A FUZZY-LOGIC MODEL FOR MACHINING DATA SELECTION

This paper describes the development stages of a fuzzy logic model for metal cutting. The model is based on the assumption that the relation ship between the hardness of a given material and the recommended cutt ing speed is an imprecise relationship, and can be described and evalu ated by the theory of fuzzy sets. The model has been applied to data e xtracted from the Machining Data Handbook [Metcut Research Associates, 3rd edn, Vols 1 and 2 (1980)], and a very good correlation was obtain ed between the handbook data and that predicted using the fuzzy logic model. The objective of the model is to facilitate the computerization process of the vast machining information contained in machining data handbooks. Also, the proposed model suggests the possibility of devel oping an expert system for machining data selection based on fuzzy log ic. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.