- Email: [email protected]
Disciplines in CIM
Integration of Engineering Functions/Disciplines in CIM Leo Alting
- Submitted by T. Wanheim (1).
Institute of Manufacturing Engineering, Technical University of Denmark
In the last few years many o f the hardware and software elcments necessar? to establish C I M - s y s t e m Igomputer Integrated >:anufact:rrinql have been developed but still many problems have t o be solve?. especially concerning integration of engineerixg functions?8isciplines into CAD/CAM and CIM in a broarler context.
The present paper describes the dcvelopment of a number of comggter aided engineerin3 application modules (solutions) Which can provide both integration and s!lpport of important mechanical. design axz-'. nanufacturin? activities. Following subjects will be discussed: integration of engineering functions into CAD!CAI! i n c l d i n g software solutions, classification and co?ing, logics f o r selectin? materials, processes etc. inteqrated in design, generative process planning, automated part f a m i l y desiqn and wanufacture and CI?I-mir.iat.ure laboratory. The philosophv in developing these engineering integration and support nodules has been to focus on the loaics and decision making concepts so that the user easily can implement his own looics,'decision strcctlire anr' dati without spending tine on tedious p r o g r a m i n s . Further integration of these modales to otter software nnckages including CAD:CA!l systems p l a y s a very im3ortant role. Only b2: i3teyration and ::tilization of corxon (eventuallv local) databases the full advantaqe of the new technology can !,e expected. 1.
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years many of the hardware and software elements necessary to establish CIM-systems (Computer Integrated F n u f a c t u r i n g ) have been developed, but sTil1 many problems have t o be solved especially concerning integration of engineering functions/disciplines into CAD/CAM and hence CIM systems. CIM is here defined as ( 1 ) : "A system in which distributing computing network and common databases are used for combining and coordinating into a harmonic whole such functions as product and process design, planning, scheduling, purchasing, production, inspection, assembly, handling, management and marketing of definition discrete consumer or producer goods".This allows every company t o make an interpretation which is in accordance with its own structure and culture. To try t o identify some of the areas where industry has concerns i.e. feels lack of knowledge, standards etc.,CAM-I made a survey in industry ( 2 ) . Some of the major areas of concern were: ( a ) software transportability, ( 5 ) system mission, goals, and rationale, ( c ) obtaining management support, ( d ) identifying system activities and interrelationships and (el data/software interfacing with existing systems. Included in these concerns were algorithm development, classification and coding, integration of engineering functions in CAD/CAM systems i.e. expert systems to cope with these problems.
Much research and development work are carried out all over the world t o supply solutions to these concerns. Especially should be mentioned the standardization work progressing rapidly both in USA (General Motors/Boeing*s MAP/TOP) and Europe (EEC - Esprit etc). These developments will diminish the "nightmares" of integrating hardware into CIH-systems. At the Laboratory of Process and Production Engineering (Institute of Manufacturing Engineering), Technical University of Denmark research and development are carried out concerning computer based support of engineering functions and their integration into CAD/CAM and thus in a broader context in CIH. The engineering functions dealt with are mainly process and production engineering functions and their integration with engineering design functions.
2. Integration
of engineering
functions
allow engineers or technical personnel t o develop and implement information handling and decision making programs tailored to the specific needs in the company. The solution of the complex engineering problems will necessarily have t o be based on logical structures, functional relationships, systematic procedures and utilization of information in order to specify a proper solution. Focusing on the integration of engineering functions with CAD/CAM systems it appears that several aspects of integration can be identified. Table 1 shows the major areas of research and development at the Institute of Manufacturing Engineering and those marked will be described later in this paper. with a ( * I It should be emphasized that the approach used in the research and development work is to develop engineering functions support modules covering various areas and t o develop and handle the logics/algorithms so that the user easily can add his own details and data. Before describing the selected modules to be presented here a few comments should be given t o classification and coding which is a key t o o l for effective storage and retrieval of information and data. Discrete workpiece items can be classified and coded and the resulting, currently updated database can then provide the needed information to gain the benefits of group technology and to match the production system with the actual production requirements. Other items like engineering materials, manufacturing proc-
in CAD/CAM
The research and development work have been based on the functional structure (hardware and software) shown in Figure 1. The basic software systems are: 0perating system (VAX/VHS), Standard CAD/CAM system (Auto-Trol series 7 0 0 0 ) . DCLASS (decision and U i fication software) and Database. DCLASS TM ( 6 ) . which was developed by Brigham Young University (Prof. D.K. Allen 6 Ron Millet1,USA. is an effective tool in information handling, decision making and logics processing. It is easy to interface with other software packages (CAD/CAM, database systems etc.) which makes it well suited t o be a "master element" in a truely integrated CIM-system where automated and effective applications are based on utilization of the best features of the different available software packages. DCLASS is a flexible open-ended, multipurpose tree processer with a built-in ultra high level programming language, which will
Annals of the ClRP Vol. 35/1/1986
Figure 1 : Functional structure used to support and integrate engineering functions in CAD/CAM and CIM, ( 3 1
31 7
- Design or information retrieval - Family information search
Table 1 ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS
-
CAD/CAM integration
. grated Engineering and producibility in design
logics inte-
-- Material selection Process capability analyses/design
machining, casting, welding for assembly/product -- Design Check functions
for
etc. structuring
. Generation (automatic) of manufacturing specifications from product/component model/database - Process plan generating (including toolings and machines) - operations, Design of speciallcomplex toolsldies NC-programming -- Assembly plan generation - Production system performance simulation . Product/part family design macros - Systematic procedures -
Standard design rules logics Integrated and automated manufacturing specifications
esses, production equipment or production systems, standard or special tools etc. can also be classified and coded and similar benefits can be obtained. DCLASS can accomodate any existing or user developed classification system. The multipath, multilevel and flexible coding format capabilities allow an item t o be classified and coded according t o its actual set of main characteristics and any number of attributes. Figure 2 shows an example of part classification. The user will in an interactive session traverse the actual classification tree and select the geometrical, functional or other characteristics relevant for the actual item. The easy accomodation of any classification scheme allows the user to develop his own and avoid the use of the more universal schemes where the user only utilizes a fraction. Once having classified the existing parts, process capabilities, production equipment, materials, toolings etc. the stored information can be utilized in
-
Database statistics.
3. Generative process planning
The ability to automate (partly) and to improve quality and consistency o f decision making and solution specification in design and manufacturing engineering are real challenges especially in relation t o CIM. This will include capture and utilization o f experience and know how accumulated in the specific company. implementation and utilization of company policies, standards and handling of decision rules. For example material and process selection can be linked into design. An automated approach f o r generation of complete, individual and specific solutions of problems within well defined areas can be developed based on DCLASS. Examples are generative process planning, tooling system specification ( 5 1 , mechanical or electrical assembly planning. Figure 3 illustrates (simplified) the concept of decision making. A set of keywords (any number) are triggered automatically when the user interactively defines the actual requirements (in the specification/requirement tree) and these keywords (flags) will match another set of keywords defining the solution/plan/action from the solution/plan/action tree. Many trees may he involved in the solution generation. Figure 4 shows the architecture of a generative process planning system. In Figure 5 is shown the output of the process planning. Having interactively specified the actual part according t o geometry, dimensions, tolerances, form features etc., the system will automatically select machine tools, processes, specific operations with sequencing, data, tooling and eventually time calculations. It should be noted that the process planning system is very flexible i.e. it can easily be expanded/modified t o meet company specific requirements with respect to actual part characteristics and machine tools/processes operations/toolings etc. as well as specific decision logics, standards etc.
DECISION MAKINO
BIT . I 1
I
-
I
DCLMB
1111.1
I m m A m I v E PART IIlcIFIcATIm -TIC ~ 1 9 1 0 ov 8 L m ! OT K E I . O R l b
Figure 3: Concepts lsimplifiedl of decision making support, ( 7 )
4. Automated Figure 2: Example of part classification system supported by DCLASS ( 6 )
318
part family
design
and manufacture
Many components in industry can be handled in part families where completely automated procedures from specification t o production can be developed. In the
Display
--m r - .!
Process P I an Generation ......................................................................
,
Illit.,
.1k11?
.L.i..O
'Ip =:LE Cilx'
1 =
...
,.*c
1'
,..I
,"l" ""I,.,n,G.tlk.=
? ,
tub.
"CL.,.
.D
7Y.l
O.DDYL
5"
W,L,
.9
ellllla * . . I " I L L .r."..
10
,-I,r-!J,'
li
P8.L
.......................................... lli' ...............................................
I
rI.,L."#ilr
I,,',,,> ..a.,n: I,,.,., 7 i. 0 .LOG
..men
I..*< I,, r.>.o
,.DO*L.~~
I.O""l.,I
1 . *.lW
DI,Ci
.,,*o '.O',>,
".., ...................................................................... ,I
L.Wl
<11'.11,
,'Loll
.I
1 0 LI.61.
LO
C",I,.C.OII
111
!!:!!!!!!!!?........................................................
Figure 4: Architecture o f generative process planning ( 8 / 1 1 ) example shown (Figure 6 ) DCLASS has been built into a CAD/CAM system. The procedure starts with a systematic specification oE the component through an interractive session. Simultaneously the component is displayed for visual evaluation and automatic classification updating the database. The modelling stag e is fully computer supported i.e. every user selected dimension is checked against a tool/equipment database, similar or identical components may be retrieved, designer chosen features are checked €or suitable tools/equipments, and the economical consequences of selecting a tool/equipment which is not i n the database are indicated. Finishing the modelling stage a process plan is automatically generated indicating
Figure 7: Part family design and manufacturing nodule
-
Establishing a prototype CIM-system based on relevant hard- and software elements t o be used in research and development within computer support of 1lPNO PROCCSII DESCRIPTION ___..~_____._________---------------~-~~~----~-.--------engineering functions, hard- and software integra..................................................................... tion, software development and testing 10 LATHE T Y P E 17. C L I I ( P I * o I CMUCL I CENTER ..................................................................... - Applications concerning simulation of FMS/CIM syI0 TURN CENTER-HOLE tocl - r C * T * R - W U L - n S I , . L stems, training of personnel within CNC. FMS and ?URN FIIST UILlElEY tarnl.Om540 CIM, and test production d 45 I .oo tllDI LCC 10 - u C N Y E l O Y D IIILIMEIER t t m w = 0.*01655 - Education of engineering students, management stud 10 I 97.5 tl.ol LCC dents, technical assistants etc. .5 CUT OF Pew1 T O LENOTH 4 0 0
-
-
-
-
-
.
I
..................................................................... m x ~ i i m a ~ H i m ~ ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ~ N C U irrE
20
DRILL I a I I I I L HDLE d
30
101
HAND IIIEBURR
10
-
ROU*D-ORIND14MA~HI*E.
40
60
CT'ICE
6
O R I W D OUTER D Z H E T C M d
The term "mini" applies primarily t o the size o f the hardware,here small table-top (but industrial) machine tools and robots are used. This saves a large investment and running costs. Standard controls for the commercial equipment are used.
45.00001. The software is full scale and is running on IBM ________________________________________--------_--------~-~-------PC's(XT/AT). The standard or basis software used in-
!1!I"fN'f""_L?"
_______________
~~
____________________---.-----------
Figure 6: Output example of generative process planning in the right sequence,which processes, operations, tools should be selected in order t o produce the component. Besides an NC path based on t h e process plan is generated and stored in the cutter location file (CL). The potentials of using DCLASS as a key software for system integration is tremendous. Computer memory space required is minimized as it is not necessary to store files containing graphics, process plans and NC-paths. All information and logics are contained in DCLASS trees as bit strings from where it easily and quickly can be generated. The DCLASS trees are based on company standards and policy and can easily be updated or modified.
5. CIM-Miniature Laboratory (CIM-MLI In a joint research program between Brigham Young University (Prof. D.K. Allen), Bradley University (Prof. G. Olling, now Chrysler Corporation) and Technical University of Denmark a CIM-ML is being developed €or research and education.
cludes DCLASS, Database Management, Networks, CAD/CAM system, and a real time basic operating system. 6. Conclusion
The paper describes implemented computer based support modules for carrying out a number o f engineering functions and methods of integration o f these into CAD/CAM systems and CIM. It also provides a survey of the research and development at the Institute of Manufacturing Engineering. The main philosophy has been to develop concepts for decision making etc. for different main functions and not t o provide canned solutions. With a workable concept the industry will tailor its own final solutions since nobody except the company can supply the decision structure, company culture, data etc. The research and development line sketched in this paper focuses on engineers carrying out their profession on an expert level which is a prerequisite for good solutions. References (1)
The goals of the CIM-ML research are:
Allen,
D.K: Computer BYU, M.T.533
Integrated Manufacturing, Course Material
319
( 2 ) Allen, D.K: Impediments t o Implementatioin of the CAM-I Long-range Plan CAM-I, 1984 (Obtained from Prof.Allen 1 ( 3 ) Jsrgensen, J. 6 L. Alting: A General and Flexible
System for Information Handling and Decision Making. AUTOFACT EUROPE Conference Sept.24-27, 1984, Switzerland.MS84-622. ( 4 ) Jacobsen, P: Computer Integration of Design and Manufacturing. Ph.D. Thesis, Technical University of Denmark, 1983, 141 pp. ( 5 ) Jepsen Jensen, L: Computer Aided Tool and Die Design. Ph.D. Thesis, Technical University of Denmark, 1984. 146 pp. (6)
-
DCLASS Brochures and Information Material, CIM-Consulting ApS, Industrivenget 37, DK-3400 Hillersd,DK
( 7 ) Jacobsen, P. 6 Jargensen, J: Application of Tree Processing Software Tools IPU, 1985 Technical University of Denmark, AP85. ( 8 ) Lenau, T: Expert Systems - Knowledge Engineering Current Ph.D research program Technical University of Denmark ( 9 ) Christensen, S.C.
6 M.Als Pedersen: CIM-Minilab Current Ph.D research programs Technical University of Denmark
( 1 0 ) Bilberg, A. 6 N.E.
Larsen: Simulation of Production Systems Current Ph.D. research programs Technical University of Denmark.
( 1 1 ) Jsrgensen, Alting, Jacobsen, Jensen, Christen-
sen, Christiansen, 6 Lenau: FRAMEWORK of Engineering, Application Modules, IPU Technical University of Denmark.
- Submitted by T. Wanheim (1).
Institute of Manufacturing Engineering, Technical University of Denmark
In the last few years many o f the hardware and software elcments necessar? to establish C I M - s y s t e m Igomputer Integrated >:anufact:rrinql have been developed but still many problems have t o be solve?. especially concerning integration of engineerixg functions?8isciplines into CAD/CAM and CIM in a broarler context.
The present paper describes the dcvelopment of a number of comggter aided engineerin3 application modules (solutions) Which can provide both integration and s!lpport of important mechanical. design axz-'. nanufacturin? activities. Following subjects will be discussed: integration of engineering functions into CAD!CAI! i n c l d i n g software solutions, classification and co?ing, logics f o r selectin? materials, processes etc. inteqrated in design, generative process planning, automated part f a m i l y desiqn and wanufacture and CI?I-mir.iat.ure laboratory. The philosophv in developing these engineering integration and support nodules has been to focus on the loaics and decision making concepts so that the user easily can implement his own looics,'decision strcctlire anr' dati without spending tine on tedious p r o g r a m i n s . Further integration of these modales to otter software nnckages including CAD:CA!l systems p l a y s a very im3ortant role. Only b2: i3teyration and ::tilization of corxon (eventuallv local) databases the full advantaqe of the new technology can !,e expected. 1.
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years many of the hardware and software elements necessary to establish CIM-systems (Computer Integrated F n u f a c t u r i n g ) have been developed, but sTil1 many problems have t o be solved especially concerning integration of engineering functions/disciplines into CAD/CAM and hence CIM systems. CIM is here defined as ( 1 ) : "A system in which distributing computing network and common databases are used for combining and coordinating into a harmonic whole such functions as product and process design, planning, scheduling, purchasing, production, inspection, assembly, handling, management and marketing of definition discrete consumer or producer goods".This allows every company t o make an interpretation which is in accordance with its own structure and culture. To try t o identify some of the areas where industry has concerns i.e. feels lack of knowledge, standards etc.,CAM-I made a survey in industry ( 2 ) . Some of the major areas of concern were: ( a ) software transportability, ( 5 ) system mission, goals, and rationale, ( c ) obtaining management support, ( d ) identifying system activities and interrelationships and (el data/software interfacing with existing systems. Included in these concerns were algorithm development, classification and coding, integration of engineering functions in CAD/CAM systems i.e. expert systems to cope with these problems.
Much research and development work are carried out all over the world t o supply solutions to these concerns. Especially should be mentioned the standardization work progressing rapidly both in USA (General Motors/Boeing*s MAP/TOP) and Europe (EEC - Esprit etc). These developments will diminish the "nightmares" of integrating hardware into CIH-systems. At the Laboratory of Process and Production Engineering (Institute of Manufacturing Engineering), Technical University of Denmark research and development are carried out concerning computer based support of engineering functions and their integration into CAD/CAM and thus in a broader context in CIH. The engineering functions dealt with are mainly process and production engineering functions and their integration with engineering design functions.
2. Integration
of engineering
functions
allow engineers or technical personnel t o develop and implement information handling and decision making programs tailored to the specific needs in the company. The solution of the complex engineering problems will necessarily have t o be based on logical structures, functional relationships, systematic procedures and utilization of information in order to specify a proper solution. Focusing on the integration of engineering functions with CAD/CAM systems it appears that several aspects of integration can be identified. Table 1 shows the major areas of research and development at the Institute of Manufacturing Engineering and those marked will be described later in this paper. with a ( * I It should be emphasized that the approach used in the research and development work is to develop engineering functions support modules covering various areas and t o develop and handle the logics/algorithms so that the user easily can add his own details and data. Before describing the selected modules to be presented here a few comments should be given t o classification and coding which is a key t o o l for effective storage and retrieval of information and data. Discrete workpiece items can be classified and coded and the resulting, currently updated database can then provide the needed information to gain the benefits of group technology and to match the production system with the actual production requirements. Other items like engineering materials, manufacturing proc-
in CAD/CAM
The research and development work have been based on the functional structure (hardware and software) shown in Figure 1. The basic software systems are: 0perating system (VAX/VHS), Standard CAD/CAM system (Auto-Trol series 7 0 0 0 ) . DCLASS (decision and U i fication software) and Database. DCLASS TM ( 6 ) . which was developed by Brigham Young University (Prof. D.K. Allen 6 Ron Millet1,USA. is an effective tool in information handling, decision making and logics processing. It is easy to interface with other software packages (CAD/CAM, database systems etc.) which makes it well suited t o be a "master element" in a truely integrated CIM-system where automated and effective applications are based on utilization of the best features of the different available software packages. DCLASS is a flexible open-ended, multipurpose tree processer with a built-in ultra high level programming language, which will
Annals of the ClRP Vol. 35/1/1986
Figure 1 : Functional structure used to support and integrate engineering functions in CAD/CAM and CIM, ( 3 1
31 7
- Design or information retrieval - Family information search
Table 1 ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS
-
CAD/CAM integration
. grated Engineering and producibility in design
logics inte-
-- Material selection Process capability analyses/design
machining, casting, welding for assembly/product -- Design Check functions
for
etc. structuring
. Generation (automatic) of manufacturing specifications from product/component model/database - Process plan generating (including toolings and machines) - operations, Design of speciallcomplex toolsldies NC-programming -- Assembly plan generation - Production system performance simulation . Product/part family design macros - Systematic procedures -
Standard design rules logics Integrated and automated manufacturing specifications
esses, production equipment or production systems, standard or special tools etc. can also be classified and coded and similar benefits can be obtained. DCLASS can accomodate any existing or user developed classification system. The multipath, multilevel and flexible coding format capabilities allow an item t o be classified and coded according t o its actual set of main characteristics and any number of attributes. Figure 2 shows an example of part classification. The user will in an interactive session traverse the actual classification tree and select the geometrical, functional or other characteristics relevant for the actual item. The easy accomodation of any classification scheme allows the user to develop his own and avoid the use of the more universal schemes where the user only utilizes a fraction. Once having classified the existing parts, process capabilities, production equipment, materials, toolings etc. the stored information can be utilized in
-
Database statistics.
3. Generative process planning
The ability to automate (partly) and to improve quality and consistency o f decision making and solution specification in design and manufacturing engineering are real challenges especially in relation t o CIM. This will include capture and utilization o f experience and know how accumulated in the specific company. implementation and utilization of company policies, standards and handling of decision rules. For example material and process selection can be linked into design. An automated approach f o r generation of complete, individual and specific solutions of problems within well defined areas can be developed based on DCLASS. Examples are generative process planning, tooling system specification ( 5 1 , mechanical or electrical assembly planning. Figure 3 illustrates (simplified) the concept of decision making. A set of keywords (any number) are triggered automatically when the user interactively defines the actual requirements (in the specification/requirement tree) and these keywords (flags) will match another set of keywords defining the solution/plan/action from the solution/plan/action tree. Many trees may he involved in the solution generation. Figure 4 shows the architecture of a generative process planning system. In Figure 5 is shown the output of the process planning. Having interactively specified the actual part according t o geometry, dimensions, tolerances, form features etc., the system will automatically select machine tools, processes, specific operations with sequencing, data, tooling and eventually time calculations. It should be noted that the process planning system is very flexible i.e. it can easily be expanded/modified t o meet company specific requirements with respect to actual part characteristics and machine tools/processes operations/toolings etc. as well as specific decision logics, standards etc.
DECISION MAKINO
BIT . I 1
I
-
I
DCLMB
1111.1
I m m A m I v E PART IIlcIFIcATIm -TIC ~ 1 9 1 0 ov 8 L m ! OT K E I . O R l b
Figure 3: Concepts lsimplifiedl of decision making support, ( 7 )
4. Automated Figure 2: Example of part classification system supported by DCLASS ( 6 )
318
part family
design
and manufacture
Many components in industry can be handled in part families where completely automated procedures from specification t o production can be developed. In the
Display
--m r - .!
Process P I an Generation ......................................................................
,
Illit.,
.1k11?
.L.i..O
'Ip =:LE Cilx'
1 =
...
,.*c
1'
,..I
,"l" ""I,.,n,G.tlk.=
? ,
tub.
"CL.,.
.D
7Y.l
O.DDYL
5"
W,L,
.9
ellllla * . . I " I L L .r."..
10
,-I,r-!J,'
li
P8.L
.......................................... lli' ...............................................
I
rI.,L."#ilr
I,,',,,> ..a.,n: I,,.,., 7 i. 0 .LOG
..men
I..*< I,, r.>.o
,.DO*L.~~
I.O""l.,I
1 . *.lW
DI,Ci
.,,*o '.O',>,
".., ...................................................................... ,I
L.Wl
<11'.11,
,'Loll
.I
1 0 LI.61.
LO
C",I,.C.OII
111
!!:!!!!!!!!?........................................................
Figure 4: Architecture o f generative process planning ( 8 / 1 1 ) example shown (Figure 6 ) DCLASS has been built into a CAD/CAM system. The procedure starts with a systematic specification oE the component through an interractive session. Simultaneously the component is displayed for visual evaluation and automatic classification updating the database. The modelling stag e is fully computer supported i.e. every user selected dimension is checked against a tool/equipment database, similar or identical components may be retrieved, designer chosen features are checked €or suitable tools/equipments, and the economical consequences of selecting a tool/equipment which is not i n the database are indicated. Finishing the modelling stage a process plan is automatically generated indicating
Figure 7: Part family design and manufacturing nodule
-
Establishing a prototype CIM-system based on relevant hard- and software elements t o be used in research and development within computer support of 1lPNO PROCCSII DESCRIPTION ___..~_____._________---------------~-~~~----~-.--------engineering functions, hard- and software integra..................................................................... tion, software development and testing 10 LATHE T Y P E 17. C L I I ( P I * o I CMUCL I CENTER ..................................................................... - Applications concerning simulation of FMS/CIM syI0 TURN CENTER-HOLE tocl - r C * T * R - W U L - n S I , . L stems, training of personnel within CNC. FMS and ?URN FIIST UILlElEY tarnl.Om540 CIM, and test production d 45 I .oo tllDI LCC 10 - u C N Y E l O Y D IIILIMEIER t t m w = 0.*01655 - Education of engineering students, management stud 10 I 97.5 tl.ol LCC dents, technical assistants etc. .5 CUT OF Pew1 T O LENOTH 4 0 0
-
-
-
-
-
.
I
..................................................................... m x ~ i i m a ~ H i m ~ ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ~ N C U irrE
20
DRILL I a I I I I L HDLE d
30
101
HAND IIIEBURR
10
-
ROU*D-ORIND14MA~HI*E.
40
60
CT'ICE
6
O R I W D OUTER D Z H E T C M d
The term "mini" applies primarily t o the size o f the hardware,here small table-top (but industrial) machine tools and robots are used. This saves a large investment and running costs. Standard controls for the commercial equipment are used.
45.00001. The software is full scale and is running on IBM ________________________________________--------_--------~-~-------PC's(XT/AT). The standard or basis software used in-
!1!I"fN'f""_L?"
_______________
~~
____________________---.-----------
Figure 6: Output example of generative process planning in the right sequence,which processes, operations, tools should be selected in order t o produce the component. Besides an NC path based on t h e process plan is generated and stored in the cutter location file (CL). The potentials of using DCLASS as a key software for system integration is tremendous. Computer memory space required is minimized as it is not necessary to store files containing graphics, process plans and NC-paths. All information and logics are contained in DCLASS trees as bit strings from where it easily and quickly can be generated. The DCLASS trees are based on company standards and policy and can easily be updated or modified.
5. CIM-Miniature Laboratory (CIM-MLI In a joint research program between Brigham Young University (Prof. D.K. Allen), Bradley University (Prof. G. Olling, now Chrysler Corporation) and Technical University of Denmark a CIM-ML is being developed €or research and education.
cludes DCLASS, Database Management, Networks, CAD/CAM system, and a real time basic operating system. 6. Conclusion
The paper describes implemented computer based support modules for carrying out a number o f engineering functions and methods of integration o f these into CAD/CAM systems and CIM. It also provides a survey of the research and development at the Institute of Manufacturing Engineering. The main philosophy has been to develop concepts for decision making etc. for different main functions and not t o provide canned solutions. With a workable concept the industry will tailor its own final solutions since nobody except the company can supply the decision structure, company culture, data etc. The research and development line sketched in this paper focuses on engineers carrying out their profession on an expert level which is a prerequisite for good solutions. References (1)
The goals of the CIM-ML research are:
Allen,
D.K: Computer BYU, M.T.533
Integrated Manufacturing, Course Material
319
( 2 ) Allen, D.K: Impediments t o Implementatioin of the CAM-I Long-range Plan CAM-I, 1984 (Obtained from Prof.Allen 1 ( 3 ) Jsrgensen, J. 6 L. Alting: A General and Flexible
System for Information Handling and Decision Making. AUTOFACT EUROPE Conference Sept.24-27, 1984, Switzerland.MS84-622. ( 4 ) Jacobsen, P: Computer Integration of Design and Manufacturing. Ph.D. Thesis, Technical University of Denmark, 1983, 141 pp. ( 5 ) Jepsen Jensen, L: Computer Aided Tool and Die Design. Ph.D. Thesis, Technical University of Denmark, 1984. 146 pp. (6)
-
DCLASS Brochures and Information Material, CIM-Consulting ApS, Industrivenget 37, DK-3400 Hillersd,DK
( 7 ) Jacobsen, P. 6 Jargensen, J: Application of Tree Processing Software Tools IPU, 1985 Technical University of Denmark, AP85. ( 8 ) Lenau, T: Expert Systems - Knowledge Engineering Current Ph.D research program Technical University of Denmark ( 9 ) Christensen, S.C.
6 M.Als Pedersen: CIM-Minilab Current Ph.D research programs Technical University of Denmark
( 1 0 ) Bilberg, A. 6 N.E.
Larsen: Simulation of Production Systems Current Ph.D. research programs Technical University of Denmark.
( 1 1 ) Jsrgensen, Alting, Jacobsen, Jensen, Christen-
sen, Christiansen, 6 Lenau: FRAMEWORK of Engineering, Application Modules, IPU Technical University of Denmark.