A novel process planning algorithm for additive and subtractive manufacturing based on skeleton tree matching
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 12 March 2018
Issue publication date: 12 March 2018
Abstract
Purpose
To remanufacture a disused part, a hybrid process needs to be taken in part production. Therefore, a reasonable machining route is necessary to be developed for the hybrid process. This paper aims to develop a novel process planning algorithm for additive and subtractive manufacturing (ASM) system to achieve this purpose.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a skeleton of the model is generated by using thinning algorithm. Then, the skeleton tree is constructed based on topological structure and shape feature. Further, a feature matching algorithm is developed for recognizing the different features between the initial model and the final model based on the skeleton tree. Finally, a reasonable hybrid machining route of the ASM system is generated in consideration of the machining method of each different sub-feature.
Findings
This paper proposes a hybrid process planning algorithm for the ASM system. Further, it generates new process planning insights on the hybrid process service provider market.
Practical implications
The proposed process planning algorithm enables engineers to obtain a proper hybrid machining route before product fabrication. And thereby, it extends the machining capability of the hybrid process to manufacture some parts accurately and efficiently.
Originality/value
This study addresses one gap in the hybrid process literature. It develops the first hybrid process planning strategy for remanufacturing of disused parts based on skeleton tree matching, which generates a more proper hybrid machining route than the currently available hybrid strategy studies. Also, this study provides technical support for the ASM system to repair damaged parts.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51305443, 51475459), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (bk20130184, bk20160258), State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (P2016-18), State Scholarship Fund of the China Scholarship Council (201706425017) and A Project Funded by Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD).
Citation
Hao, J., Chen, X., Liu, H. and Ye, S. (2018), "A novel process planning algorithm for additive and subtractive manufacturing based on skeleton tree matching", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 441-462. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-11-2016-0179
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited