Parallel N.C. machines, also referred to as mill-turns, are a new generation of machine tools aimed at increasing machining accuracy and reducing part cycle times. In addition to their capacity to do both milling and turning, these next generation machines tools can perform multiple machining operations simultaneously, involving one or more parts at a time, and can completely finish a part (front and back) in a single setup. Parallel machining raises issues with respect to computer aided process planning which have not been dealt with in the past. In this paper, a prototype CAPP system called PMPS, for parallel machining, is described. First, we briefly highlight the new issues to be dealt with in process planning for parallel machining. Next, the architecture and details of PMPS, a generative CAPP system, is described. Finally, the implementation and results are discussed.
Issue Section:
Research Papers
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