Optimal Selection of Manufacturing Operations Sequence in CAPP

Computer aided process planning (CAPP) is an important interface between computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). CAPP in the past is typically a knowledge-based approach, which is only capable of generating a feasible plan for a given part. The present work involves the application of Differential evolution as a global search technique for a quick identification of optimal or near optimal operation sequences. Minimization of total number of set-up changeovers and tool changeovers is taken as the objective function. Initially, the given part is represented as an assembly of form features, with details of geometric specifications, tolerance and surface finish requirements. To produce each of the form features, the required machining operations are selected. Next, feasibility constraints are considered among various machining operations. The proposed method then finds the optimal sequences within the minimum possible time.