Process Route Optimization for Generalized Energy Efficiency and Production Time in Machining System

Total consumption of direct electric energy and average embodied energy of cutters and cutting fluid as well as other auxiliary resource consumed in machining a part are defined as generalized energy consumption. In this paper, a process route optimization model oriented for improvement of generalized energy efficiency and production time is proposed. The selection of machining sequence, machine tools, cutting tools, tool access direction and processing parameters in process route is optimized through a SA-QPSO hybrid algorithm. Results indicate that the balance between generalized energy efficiency and machining time is achieved and detailed analysis of process route influence on these two objectives is given afterwards.