Efficiency of Tool Path Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm in Relation to the Optimization Achieved with the CAM Software

The production efficiency has an important role for each manufacturing process, especially in the process of drilling a large number of holes, where production depends on the time required for drilling. The tool path optimization during the drilling is necessary because it leads to increase productivity and to save production costs, especially if the tool that performs drilling operation must visit a significant number of places. The proposed solution is obtained by using a genetic algorithm whereby the optimization problem is reduced to the Traveling Salesman Problem. Problem solution was achieved by using MATLAB software, and the obtained results were compared with the results achieved with CAM software (WinCAM, CAMConcept and CATIA V5).