Expert, neural and fuzzy systems in process planning

Abstract

Connputer aided process planning (CAPP) aims at improving efficiency, quality, and productivity in a manufacturing concern through reducing lead times and costs by utilizing better manufacturing practices thus improving competitiveness in the market. CAPP attempts to capture the thoughts and methods of the experienced process planner. Variant systems are understandable, generative systems can plan new parts Expert systems increase flexibility, fuzzy logic captures vague knowledge while neural networks learn. The combination of fuzzy, neural and expert system technologies is necessary to capture and utilize the process planning logic. A system that maintains the dependability and clarity of variant systems, is capable of planning new parts, and improves itself through learning is needed by industry.