An Implementation of Computer Aided Process Planning for Various Machining Operations

Process planning is the systematic determination of the sequence of the operation by which a product is to be manufactured economically and completely. Today both CAD and CAM are well developed as two islands of automation. CAPP is the link between CAD and CAM. Computer aided process planning play a key role in computer integrated manufacturing. In manual process planning, the process planner prepares the process sheet using his past experience, which is a very time consuming process. The CAPP makes use of computer for preparing sheet and saving lead time in preparing process sheet, as it is a very fast process. In this paper, an attempt has been made, to develop a software package which will generate the manufacturing process sheet automatically. A computer program, using visual basic programming languages, is written for this purpose. The process sheet is developed by selecting the operation from the menu and then by feeding the part drawing details. The approach involves, asking a series of questions by the system to the user, about the component drawing and related details. Initially the system asks the user, about the choice of machining operation. The developed system is interactive and simple in use. Any noncomputer person or non experienced engineer can also use it easily. It provides a quick and efficient method for generating process sheet.