A tandem approach to selection of machinability data

Abstract

One drawback of current machinability data systems is the inability to accommodate technological changes. Existing schemes to optimise machinability data are too specific and rigid. This paper describes the development of a methodology for a more effective selection of machinability data. The methodology incorporates various techniques, such as expert systems and mathematical programming. The unique feature of this system is the way machinability data are handled to arrive at the most suitable solution. The system accepts a wide range of data, from the very complete and specific to the very general. The more detailed and specific the data set is, the more credible the results will be. The machinability data in the data banks are easily updated and improved using feedback data from current shop floor production. The process of obtaining solutions from these banks is regarded as flexible optimisation. This paper reports on the optimisation methodology for multipass turning operations. Longitudinal turning, facing, taper turning and contour turning have been considered. © 1995 Springer-Verlag London Limited.