4. Feature-based advanced hybrid manufacturing process planning system (FAH-PS)

The Feature-based Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing Process Planning System (FAH-PS) presented by [19] may be applied to multiple types of hybrid manufacturing processes such as casting-, injection molding-, and additivesubtractive. FAH-PS utilizes a modular and extensible software framework, which was intended to address: (1) the determination of operations final order in a process plan, (2) the types of processes supported in a hybrid process plan for holes, flats and slot features, and (3) the general extensibility of process planning systems for future program advancements [19]. The decision structure of FAH-PS uses feature specific geometric, tolerance, and material data inputs to generate automated

process plans based on a user-specified critical feature precedence [19]. Individual modules are used to process machine information about specific feature types (hole, pocket, slot, etc.) and calculate required tooling and approximate machining times for each feature and part [19]. Based on user preference, FAH-PS can also generate additional process plans that aim to minimize tool changes, orientation changes, etc. to improve process times [19]. Figure 10 shows the decision tree that FAH-PS follows in the development of process plans.

This planning system is one example of the demonstrated feasibility of automated and semi-automated process planning for hybrid manufacturing systems of small batch parts. It was shown in [19] to be a valuable tool during the design and preparation stages of production as it reduced difficulties in obtaining optimal machining strategies quickly with improved levels of accuracy. Incorporation of other features and types of processes as well as detailed assessment of costs for the auto-generated process plans are still needed, however this planning system is a

Advanced Manufacturing Using Linked Processes: Hybrid Manufacturing

Within this chapter several hybrid manufacturing processes were outlined and an overview of factors affecting the development of process plans for these processes was given. The complexities of process planning for multi-staged processes and optimization of such process plans was also explored. Effective planning for HMPs requires a shift from manual approach to an automated process planning system. The FAH-PS system was provided as one example of a system designed to

, Carter Keough<sup>1</sup>

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

, Richard Wysk<sup>1</sup>

good guide for future developmental efforts.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88560

5. Conclusion

plan for such HMP.

Author details

Katie Basinger<sup>2</sup>

129

and Ola Harrysson<sup>1</sup>

3 Stryker, NJ, United States

\*, Caroline Webster<sup>3</sup>

1 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States

2 The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States

\*Address all correspondence to: katie.basinger@ufl.edu

provided the original work is properly cited.

A case study was completed using the FAH-PS framework of a HMP bone plate shown below in Figure 11. More information regarding the specifics of this study can be found in [19]. In summary, FAH-PS produced 4 automated process plans, the results shown in Table 1.

Figure 10. FAH-PS decision structure (adapted from [19]).

Figure 11.

Case study of using FAH-PS for finishing of a patient-specific bone plate (reproduced with permission from [16]).


#### Table 1.

FAH-PS case study results (recreated results from [19]).

Advanced Manufacturing Using Linked Processes: Hybrid Manufacturing DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88560

This planning system is one example of the demonstrated feasibility of automated and semi-automated process planning for hybrid manufacturing systems of small batch parts. It was shown in [19] to be a valuable tool during the design and preparation stages of production as it reduced difficulties in obtaining optimal machining strategies quickly with improved levels of accuracy. Incorporation of other features and types of processes as well as detailed assessment of costs for the auto-generated process plans are still needed, however this planning system is a good guide for future developmental efforts.
