Intelligent feature based process planning for five-axis mill-turn parts

This paper proposes a new process planning system for five-axis mill-turn parts. This system focuses on parts including both prismatic and rotational features newly defined as Prisronal parts. The three main parts of the new system are as follows: (a) a novel machining features classification based on machining processes and number of simultaneously controlled axes of five-axis lathe; a new group code system is proposed. (b) Machining feature definition with representation; this model not only includes geometric and manufacturing data in the open layer but also includes machining processes and machining knowledge viewed as production rules of expert systems. (c) Process plan generation model; a process plan is generated based on machining features and rules. A user interactively identifies geometric entities to machining features provided as templates by the system. Machining processes and particular machining rules are designed and built-in each machining feature in the hidden layer. Auxiliary rules are provided for setup selection, precedence relation, and tool selection. Benefits of the system are fast and accurate process plan generation.