Modelling and analyzing the group technology based manufacturing systems

11 MODELLING AND ANALYZING THE GROUP TECHNOLOGY BASED MANIFACTURING SYSTEMS (Ph. D. Thesis) Ali ihsan SULAK GAZI UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY April 2003 ABSTRACT In this study, a computer program has been developed using Delphi 4.0 Programming Language. This program is capable of Group Technology (GT) based manufacturing system analysis and part classification. In this developed program, databases for tool holders, cutting tools, cutting tool grades, materials and machine tools were generated as user interactive. Workpiece data can be entered to the program by three different ways; DXF files, feature based drawings and by assigning GT codes. The entered data is evaluated by the program and then the features and dimensions are determined. For each feature, cutting parameters optimisation was carried out according to the maximum production rate and minimum cost by selecting the tool holder, cutting tool and its grade. Group codes are assigned to the parts by the developed coding system. With the help of the coding system, process planning, part data cards and CNC codes were created. In addition, part families based on the workpiece material, machine tool and features can be generated using the similarities between the parts. Science Code : 626.12.01 Key Words : Group Technology, Feature Recognition, Process Planning. Pace Number : 154 Adviser : Prof. Dr. Muammer NALBANT, Yrd. Doç. Dr. Zafer TEKÎNER