Programmable Support Functions to Assist Process Planning for Aeronautical Parts Manufacturing

Despite the fast development and the continuous evolution of computer-aided systems for product design, analysis and manufacturing, an unlinked gap appears between the interfaces of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided process planning (CAPP) modules. Various CAPP systems have been built to address this problem and forward a “passage” to link the design phase and the planning of manufacturing processes; hence, providing precise technical instructions in the shop-floor. To support the manufacturing trends and contribute to the research efforts for the realization of precise, reliable and efficient process plans, a set of programmable support functions are presented in the form of an object-oriented software application that enable process planners to produce accurate process plans for aircraft parts and components.