Survey of CAD/feature-based process planning and NC programming techniques

Abstract

Methods for automated process planning and NC programming are surveyed and classified into generic categories. Aspects of CAPP investigated include part definition methods, reasoning and search techniques used to generate process plans, both Al-based and traditional, and process planning languages. NC programming techniques have been categorised into those based on cell decomposition, volume/delta volume decomposition, sectioning and geometric reasoning. Methods for simulation and verification of NC programs are also surveyed. The current state of the technology and the advantages and shortcomings of each of the CAPP and NC programming generic methods are also discussed.