Institute for Systems Research

In this paper, we describe our current work towards the integration and enhancement of the capabilities of EDAPS and EXTRA. We integrate EXTRA's functionality with the initial design step of EDAPS. in the resultant system, the user, supported by an enhanced tradeoff analysis capability, can select and describe a promising preliminary design and process plan based on the analysis of a variety of alternatives from both an electrical and mechanical perspective. This preliminary design is then subjected top further analysis and refinement using existing EDAPS capabilities. In addition to the integration of these two systems, specific new functions have been developed, including tradeoff analysis over a much broader set of criteria, and the ability of the tradeoff module to query the process planner to determine costs of individual options.

In this paper, we survey of current state of the art in automated manufacturability analysis. We describe the two dominant approaches to automated manufacturability analysis and overview representative systems based on their application domain. Finally, we attempt to expose some of the existing research challenges and future directions.

In this paper, we provide a survey of current state of the art in automated manufacturability analysis. We present the historical context in which this area has emerged and outline characteristics to compare and classify various systems. We describe the two dominant approaches to automated manufacturability analysis and overview representative systems based on their application domain. We describe support tools that enhance the effectiveness of manufacturability analysis systems. Finally, we attempt to expose some of the existing research challenges and future directions.

To achieve any improvement in setup time, first we need to estimate the setup time accurately. In this paper we propose a methodology to estimate the setup time for machining prismatic parts in a three axis vertical machining center. We consider three major factors in estimating the number of setups, namely---the precedence constraints among machining operations, the feasibility of work holding using vise clamping, and the availability of datum faces for locating the workpiece.

In this paper we propose a methodology for automatically generating redesign suggestions for reducing setup costs for machined parts. Our approach is based on interpreting the design as a collection of machinable features. Our methodology generates alternate machining features by making geometric changes to the part, and adds them to the feature set of the original part. The designer may provide, restrictions indicating that certain surfaces and volumes should not be changed, in which case all redesign suggestions generated by our approach honor those restrictions. Using features from the extended feature set generated above, one or more new designs may be found that need fewer setups than the original part.