Constraint-based process planning in sheet metal bending

Abstract The majority of research dealing with computer-aided process planning of sheet metal bending approaches this problem as heuristic search. Since relevant engineering knowledge mostly consists of declarations that prohibit collisions and just a handful of generative rules, there are no useful means to drive these heuristics. In order to find a new way, we have made experiments with a constraint-based approach: using predefined constraint types and geometric constraint satisfaction, complex bending problems have been solved. By returning not just a single solution but a Pareto-optimal set of solutions (i.e., operation sequences, with appropriate part orientations and tools assigned) we have left the engineers freedom to apply further, not yet modeled parts of their domain knowledge.

[1]  Shimon Y. Nof,et al.  Automatic Generation of Assembly Constraints and Cooperation Task Planning , 1993 .

[2]  Satyandra K Gupta,et al.  Automated design of sheet metal punches for bending multiple parts in a single setup , 2001 .

[3]  Moshe Shpitalni,et al.  Automatic Determination of Bending Sequence in Sheet Metal Products , 1994 .

[4]  Fumihiko Kimura,et al.  Variational Geometry Based on Logical Constraints and its Applications to Product Modelling , 1987 .

[5]  Pascal Van Hentenryck.  The OPL optimization programming language , 1999 .

[6]  Joost Duflou,et al.  Algorithms for the design verification and automatic process planning for bent sheet metal parts , 1999 .

[7]  A. Márkus,et al.  Process planning with conditional and conflicting advice , 2001 .

[8]  Fumihiko Kimura,et al.  Designing Machine Assembly Structure Using Geometric Constraints in Product Modelling , 1985 .

[9]  H.J.J. Kals,et al.  The accuracy aspect in set-up determination for sheet bending , 1996 .

[10]  Satyandra K. Gupta,et al.  Automated process planning for sheet metal bending operations , 1998 .

[11]  J. Hatvany,et al.  The Efficient Use of Deficient Knowledge , 1983 .

[12]  Mark Wallace,et al.  Practical applications of constraint programming , 2004, Constraints.

[13]  David Alan Bourne,et al.  Design and Manufacturing of Sheet Metal Parts: Using Features to Aid Process Planning and Resolve Manufacturability Problems , 1997 .

[14]  József Váncza,et al.  A Constraint Engine for Manufacturing Process Planning , 2001, CP.

[15]  Martti Mäntylä,et al.  Application of Constraint Propagation in Part Family Modelling , 1994 .

[16]  Hod Lipson,et al.  Automatic Reasoning for Design under Geometrical Constraints , 1997 .