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RDCAPP: A real-time dynamic CAPP system for an FMS

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Abstract

Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems need to consider the uncertain nature of the shop-floor prior to the identification of job routes and processing sequences. This paper describes the design and development of a prototype, real-time dynamic CAPP (RDCAPP) system for a multimachining-centre flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Concepts relevant to this research include CAPP, profile input using group technology (GT), artificial-intelligence-based expert systems, and FMSs.

RDCAPP considers facility characteristics, machine capacity and the current shop-floor conditions prior to developing a process plan Input to the system is through a GT code and additional auxiliary interactive inputs. RDCAPP uses uncertainty management techniques to keep track of and adapt to changes in shop-floor status. The paper discusses the architecture of RDCAPP in detail. The system was tested rigorously and its outputs validated. Ideas for future research are presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Business Machines (IBM), Austin, Texas

    Athar Masood

  2. Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, T. J. Watson School of Engineering, Applied Science, and Technology, State University of New York, 13902-6000, Binghamton, New York, USA

    K. Srihari (Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Athar Masood
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  2. K. Srihari
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Masood, A., Srihari, K. RDCAPP: A real-time dynamic CAPP system for an FMS. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 8, 358–370 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01751097

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01751097

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