Development of an intelligent tool selection system in process planning

ABSTRACT DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTELLIGENT TOOL SELECTION SYSTEM IN PROCESS PLANNING ÖZCAN, M. Emin Ms. In Mechanical Engineering Supervisor: Prof. Dr. İ. Hüseyin FİLÎZ September, 2001, 94 pages Despite the rapid development in process planning systems, there has been insufficient progress in the area of cutting tool selection by using expert system of artificial intelligence techniques. This study is an attempt to fill this gap. Automatic selection of cutting tools for machining operations is a complex task which requires considerable experience and knowledge. In this study, cutting tool selection process is carried out by a computer program through extensive searching of difference between catalogues and manuals. The most suitable cutting tool is selected among various cutting tool types by using all related cutting tool selection criteria which are stored in the database. They are classified into subgroups considering their machining type, material property and application type. For the optimum cutting conditions, dept of cut, feed and cutting time are calculated and used for selection of cutting tools. The computer program is written in DELPHI 5.1 programming language on personal computer. The use of program is illustrated with practical examples. Key words: Process Planning, Expert System, Cutting Tool n