摘要:

The process industries constitute a major international business sector with a turnover of over £50 billion in the UK alone. This article reviews how computers are applied at the fundamental process design stage and how they assist in performing efficient and safe manufacturing operations.

DOI:10.1049/cae.1989.0003

出版商:IEE    

年代:1989

数据来源: IET

摘要:

This paper discusses the implementation of a low cost CAD system, allied to a relational database product, at a small high technology manufacturing company. The problems involved and the methods used to create a fully automatic system for the creation of production drawing are detailed, along with the methods of operation of the resulting system.

DOI:10.1049/cae.1989.0004

出版商:IEE    

年代:1989

数据来源: IET

摘要:

This paper describes the philosophy and constituent elements behind CIM, and questions whether any of the perceptions of CIM as currently portrayed could exist as a working entity. Suggestions are advanced that CIM is not yet practical for most industrial situations, and could not be cost-justified even if it were achievable. The paper considers the progress made in each sub-element of CIM, and how the concept of ‘islands of automation’ might achieve the widespread use of CIM technology without evolving to true CIM, and includes a case study of a company which is to introduce a novel DNC facility as a partial approach towards operating within a CIM philosophy.

DOI:10.1049/cae.1989.0005

出版商:IEE    

年代:1989

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The generation of planning and control data for the machining of mechanical components is a complex task which requires the application of skill and experience. With current interest in applying expert system (ES) techniques to problems in the area of CAD/CAM, this particular aspect of process planning appears to be well suited to a knowledge-based (KB) approach. However, the knowledge used to solve such problems involves the interpretation of three-dimensional (3-D) geometry. This paper outlines the development of a process planning system using knowledge-based techniques with derivation of component geometric information from a three-dimensional solid modeller. The knowledge-based components of the system are centred on a production rule based expert system, coexisting with a nonlinear knowledge-based planning system. These are in turn coupled to a solid modeller via a geometric interface. The knowledge resident within the system operates on the geometry of the component to produce the planning and control data. The system is targetted at planning the manufacture of components with 2½-D geometries, using a three-axis machining centre, from rectilinear blanks.

DOI:10.1049/cae.1989.0006

出版商:IEE    

年代:1989

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The paper addresses the need for a step change in the design of machine control systems. A lack of standardisation currently results in machine controllers which are extremely difficult to configure, support and integrate together. This has severely limited investment in advanced automation. Based on the results of Science and Engineering Research Council funded research, a reference architecture for machine control is proposed which offers a consistent approach to automating producing functions. By utilising modern computer methods, configuration tools can be provided and used to select and aggregate control system modules. The result is the generation of machine controllers with much reduced systems engineering costs but high levels of functionality which can be readily extended and supported.

DOI:10.1049/cae.1989.0007

出版商:IEE    

年代:1989

数据来源: IET