Abstract:
The trend from mass-production towards batch-oriented flexible manufacturing systems has led to a steady increase in the use, of computers in manufacturing, and the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems into computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems. Process planning,occupying a critical position at the crossroads of the design and production activ1ties, assumes great importance in such systems. In this study a retrieval-type computer-aided process planning system is developed for a multi-plant firm producing sheet-metal parts and a database established and integrated with the firm's existing information system to improve information flow and report-generating capabilities. The system has been implemented in two of the firm's five plants and results have been encouraging.
