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A tandem expert support system as justification for a flexible manufacturing system
Journal of Manuf~Lmring $ystems Volun~ l~No.
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Cumulative Abstract Index
processed to automatically generate inspection programs for a specific inspection machine. This computer-aided inspection system provides a foundation for research in the area of caddirected inspection. Because the system is modular, additional capabilities may be added to increase the efficiency of the process or to support other inspection devices. Keywords: Computer integrated Inspection, Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Inspection Systems, Offiine Programming
machining costs--particularly the nonproductive costs associated with workpiece handling---become increasingly important. This phenomenon results in rapidly increasing costs per unit weight (or costs per unit volume) for smaller components. It is also found that by using a cost model, such as the one developed here, it is possible to provide information for the product designer who wishes to make trade-off decisions regarding the materials and manufacturing methods for proposed components. Keywords:Cost Estimating, MachiningCost, ManufacturingCost
A Simulation-Based Production Planning Support Systemfor Printed Circuit Board Fabrication, E. McDowell, S. Randlmwa, pp. 225-2M A network-based simulation model is described to analyze the circuit board insertion process using surface mount technology. The network simulation model is developed using simulation analysis SIMAN designed for an IBM PC/XT or a compatible S~,stem. Among the results of the model are workstation ufilizauons, size of work-in-process inventories at different locations in the process, throughput .times and rates, and production costs. Sensitivity analyses are performed on some of the major factors that can effect the efficiency of the system. The model provides a methodology for evaluating alternative production strategies and offers management a tool to develop efficient production policies, thus minimizing capital and operating costs. Keywords: Computer Simulation, Network Modeling, Circuit Board Insertion, Surface Mount Technology
A Tandem Expert Support System as Jusgifica6onfor a Flexible Mam#'acmring System, S. Padmanabhan, pp. 195-205 A tandem model for the application of symbolic and numerical techniques in the jnstifieation of flexible manufacturing systems is presented in this paper. A methodology for combining knowledge-based systems and traditional analytical tools for performing deterministic and heuristic activities and aiding in decision making tasks is proposed. The paper emphasizes the automation efforts of capturing the knowledge involved in analyzing the intangible strategic benefits and the cost of investments encountered in eqnipment jnstificution procedures. The issues involved in acquiring and representing equipment evaluation knowledge and the transfer of control to coupled algorithmic procedures is addressed. A prototype software using personal consultant plus (PCPLUS), an expert system shell that offers a sophisticated frame structure for imposing rule-order strategies, is developed to define and implement the system. Keywords: Capital Eqnipmeot/Machine Tool Justification, Expert Systems, Coupled Systems, Flexible Manufacturing Systems
1989~ Vol. 8/No. 4
A CNC Machining System for Educa~on, A. Tseng, S. Kolluri, P. Radhakrishnan, pp. 207-14 A computer numerical control (CNC) machining system has been developed. The system includes a three-axis milling/drilling machine, a microprocessor, system software, and an automatically programmed tools (APT) processor. The objective of developing this machining system is to enable new features to be introduced, especially for the educational environment. A unique feature of the system is the use of a general purpose microprocessor as a controller. The CNC system is designed to mclude fundamental features with simple software format and a small scale construction. These make the system a versatile educational tool. An APTprocessor is developed, which can be used to link a geometric file devised by a commercial computer aided design software package to the CNC machine. The cost trade-ofts of using the newly designed system and a comparison with commercial systems are also included. Keyword.v:Computer Numerical Control, Microprocessor, Machine Tool, AFT Programming
Knowledge Engineeringfor Small Batch Manufacturing Systems, P. Wright, pp. 245-256 The skilled craftsmen and setup engineers who prepare and operate small batch manufacturing systems are experts in planrung, hand/eye manipulation tasks and sensor-besed monitoring skills. During knowledge engineering experiments, craftsmen can be studied during the enactiun of such skills. For example, this case study considers some of the activities of experts who plan and supervise the fabrication of complex three-dimensiunal metal parts on computer controlled mi!!ing machines. The broad motivation of this research is to automate small-batch machining so that a machine tool can run completely unattended in future factory systems. Keywords: Small Batch, Machining, Expert Systems, Sensors, Domain Sketches Mobile Robot Routing With Dynamic Programming, J. Cesarone, K. Eman, pp. 257-266 The rise of automated manufacturing systems, and autonomous systems in general, is creating a need for increased intelligence in mobile robotic devices, also known as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). One of the most important tasks these vehicles must perform is routing their own path in a cluttered environment. The path must ensure that obstacles are avoided without any unnecessary distance being covered. This paper discusses an approach to solvingthis routing problem. The method employed digitizes the workspac~into a~.'d ofnedes and treats the grid as a transition network. The priuczples of dynamic programming, with slight modifications, can be used to generate paths through this network that exhibit the desired de.l~ee of collision avoidance and economy. The algorithm is qmck and
CAD.Directed Programming of a Wuion-BasedInspection System, M. Traband, D. Medeiros, pp. 215-23 A major difficulty in developing the link from computer aided design (CAD) to automatic part inspection involves extracting the dimensioning and tolerancing information from a part drawing. This design information must be associated with the corresponding geometric features when controlling an inspection machine. In this paper, a methodology is developed for extracting the necessary design information from a CAD system to control a two-dimensional video inspection system. Information regarding part geometry, datums, and geometric tolerances and dimensions is generated during the design process and written to machine-independent data files. This information is then post-
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I
Cumulative Abstract Index
processed to automatically generate inspection programs for a specific inspection machine. This computer-aided inspection system provides a foundation for research in the area of caddirected inspection. Because the system is modular, additional capabilities may be added to increase the efficiency of the process or to support other inspection devices. Keywords: Computer integrated Inspection, Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Inspection Systems, Offiine Programming
machining costs--particularly the nonproductive costs associated with workpiece handling---become increasingly important. This phenomenon results in rapidly increasing costs per unit weight (or costs per unit volume) for smaller components. It is also found that by using a cost model, such as the one developed here, it is possible to provide information for the product designer who wishes to make trade-off decisions regarding the materials and manufacturing methods for proposed components. Keywords:Cost Estimating, MachiningCost, ManufacturingCost
A Simulation-Based Production Planning Support Systemfor Printed Circuit Board Fabrication, E. McDowell, S. Randlmwa, pp. 225-2M A network-based simulation model is described to analyze the circuit board insertion process using surface mount technology. The network simulation model is developed using simulation analysis SIMAN designed for an IBM PC/XT or a compatible S~,stem. Among the results of the model are workstation ufilizauons, size of work-in-process inventories at different locations in the process, throughput .times and rates, and production costs. Sensitivity analyses are performed on some of the major factors that can effect the efficiency of the system. The model provides a methodology for evaluating alternative production strategies and offers management a tool to develop efficient production policies, thus minimizing capital and operating costs. Keywords: Computer Simulation, Network Modeling, Circuit Board Insertion, Surface Mount Technology
A Tandem Expert Support System as Jusgifica6onfor a Flexible Mam#'acmring System, S. Padmanabhan, pp. 195-205 A tandem model for the application of symbolic and numerical techniques in the jnstifieation of flexible manufacturing systems is presented in this paper. A methodology for combining knowledge-based systems and traditional analytical tools for performing deterministic and heuristic activities and aiding in decision making tasks is proposed. The paper emphasizes the automation efforts of capturing the knowledge involved in analyzing the intangible strategic benefits and the cost of investments encountered in eqnipment jnstificution procedures. The issues involved in acquiring and representing equipment evaluation knowledge and the transfer of control to coupled algorithmic procedures is addressed. A prototype software using personal consultant plus (PCPLUS), an expert system shell that offers a sophisticated frame structure for imposing rule-order strategies, is developed to define and implement the system. Keywords: Capital Eqnipmeot/Machine Tool Justification, Expert Systems, Coupled Systems, Flexible Manufacturing Systems
1989~ Vol. 8/No. 4
A CNC Machining System for Educa~on, A. Tseng, S. Kolluri, P. Radhakrishnan, pp. 207-14 A computer numerical control (CNC) machining system has been developed. The system includes a three-axis milling/drilling machine, a microprocessor, system software, and an automatically programmed tools (APT) processor. The objective of developing this machining system is to enable new features to be introduced, especially for the educational environment. A unique feature of the system is the use of a general purpose microprocessor as a controller. The CNC system is designed to mclude fundamental features with simple software format and a small scale construction. These make the system a versatile educational tool. An APTprocessor is developed, which can be used to link a geometric file devised by a commercial computer aided design software package to the CNC machine. The cost trade-ofts of using the newly designed system and a comparison with commercial systems are also included. Keyword.v:Computer Numerical Control, Microprocessor, Machine Tool, AFT Programming
Knowledge Engineeringfor Small Batch Manufacturing Systems, P. Wright, pp. 245-256 The skilled craftsmen and setup engineers who prepare and operate small batch manufacturing systems are experts in planrung, hand/eye manipulation tasks and sensor-besed monitoring skills. During knowledge engineering experiments, craftsmen can be studied during the enactiun of such skills. For example, this case study considers some of the activities of experts who plan and supervise the fabrication of complex three-dimensiunal metal parts on computer controlled mi!!ing machines. The broad motivation of this research is to automate small-batch machining so that a machine tool can run completely unattended in future factory systems. Keywords: Small Batch, Machining, Expert Systems, Sensors, Domain Sketches Mobile Robot Routing With Dynamic Programming, J. Cesarone, K. Eman, pp. 257-266 The rise of automated manufacturing systems, and autonomous systems in general, is creating a need for increased intelligence in mobile robotic devices, also known as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). One of the most important tasks these vehicles must perform is routing their own path in a cluttered environment. The path must ensure that obstacles are avoided without any unnecessary distance being covered. This paper discusses an approach to solvingthis routing problem. The method employed digitizes the workspac~into a~.'d ofnedes and treats the grid as a transition network. The priuczples of dynamic programming, with slight modifications, can be used to generate paths through this network that exhibit the desired de.l~ee of collision avoidance and economy. The algorithm is qmck and
CAD.Directed Programming of a Wuion-BasedInspection System, M. Traband, D. Medeiros, pp. 215-23 A major difficulty in developing the link from computer aided design (CAD) to automatic part inspection involves extracting the dimensioning and tolerancing information from a part drawing. This design information must be associated with the corresponding geometric features when controlling an inspection machine. In this paper, a methodology is developed for extracting the necessary design information from a CAD system to control a two-dimensional video inspection system. Information regarding part geometry, datums, and geometric tolerances and dimensions is generated during the design process and written to machine-independent data files. This information is then post-
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