Automated operation sequencing in intelligent process planning: A case-based reasoning approach

This paper addresses the methodology development for achieving one of the important functions in automated process planning: automated determination of sequence of machining operations for prismatic parts containing various types of form features. A framework of using the case-based reasoning approach to support learning capability in operation sequencing is first proposed. The methodology to accomplish various issues in case-based operation sequencing is then discussed. In particular, the following issues are considered: 1. Representation of operation sequencing cases. 2. Indexing and retrieval of operation sequencing cases. 3. Adaptation of operation sequencing cases. Finally, the implementation issues are addressed and the learning functions of the intelligent operation sequencing system are demonstrated.