A genetic algorithm based process planning system for mould base

With the growing importance of the plastic injection industry, traditional computer aided process planning (CAPP) methods that optimize plans in a linear manner, have not been able to keep up with the need for flexible planning. This paper focuses on the development of a CAPP system to concurrently optimize the operation selections and sequences for mould bases. The system first identifies the machining features automatically. All possible combinations of processes (machine, machining direction and cutting tool) are then generated based on available machining resources. By considering the multi-selection tasks simultaneously, a specially designed genetic algorithm searches through the entire solution space to identify the optimal plan. This planner is expected to assist users in optimizing process plans for the whole mould base.