Variant Process Planning for a Job Shop

Process planning in discrete manufacturing using either manual method or performed using Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP). CAPP is further divided into Generative Process Planning (GPP) and Variant Process Planning (VPP). The VPP approach uses group technology principles to classify parts into part families based on geometric and manufacturing properties. VPP helps the human operator to select and modify the process plan from a database of the machine. It is a much easier and more economical process of planning alternatives for manufacturing similar components for each family. In this research paper, we develop a variant process plan for the compressor piston using the VPP methodology. All manufacturing procedures and tools information are stored in a database. The VPP recognizes and retrieves the existing process plane of a similar part from the database and generates a processing plane of some alteration for the new part. Memory (database) is used to retrieve the manufacturing plan for that part. If the new part differs significantly from the previous ones, there will be no similar features. The plan can then be modified by a human operator to accommodate the new part. Developed VPP is used as a module of discreet manufacturing in virtual manufacturing suite of software being developed at the GIK Institute.