Object oriented manufacturing resource modelling for adaptive process planning

Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) performs an important function, integrating product design with production, but has not kept pace with CAD/CAM developments. More and more attention has been paid to CAPP automation, intelligence and CAD/CAPP/CAM integration, and a plethora of prototype systems has been developed. However, CAPP applications are less than satisfactory. With the objective of improving CAPP usability and adaptability, this paper proposes object-oriented manufacturing resources modelling (OOMRM) and agent-based process planning (AAPP). The OOMRM exceeds the framework of traditional manufacturing resource database. It describes manufacturing resources capability and capacity in an object-oriented manner, which intends to encapsulate manufacturing system knowledge and the methods of using the knowledge. Based on the OOMRM, an AAPP prototype is implemented as a man–machine integrated process planning platform. It will support an experienced manufacturing engineer in mapping out a more reasonable and flexible machining process.