Selection of Machines and Machining Processes - A Literature Review

Machine and machining process selection play an important role in the modern day manufacturing environment. Selection of the most suitable machining process for generating a desired feature on a given material requires the consideration of several factors among which the type of the workpiece material and shape to be machined are the most significant ones. Selection of a machining process is, therefore, observed to be a multi-criteria decision-making problem with different conflicting objectives. Various methods have now been available for automatic selection of machines and machining processes to generate a desired shape feature on a given material. This paper presents a brief review of those methods developed by the previous researchers while selecting various machines and machining processes under specific manufacturing environment. This paper also helps to offer new possibilities for automation of machining process selection and many other areas within manufacturing.