The process selection problem for hole making

Abstract This paper addresses the topic of selecting a hole making process in a batch production based on an economic criterion. The procedure presented herein supports the process planning activity for hole making by producing time and cost estimates for each alternative process. In addition, the optimal machining parameters are produced in order to minimize the cost of each candidate process. Once the optimal machining parameters are found, the cost equations developed can help the process planner choose the most economical process. Since each process has a relative advantage, batch size analysis shows the range of production batch size in which each process is more economical. The paper provides an example and an analysis of the process cost function with respect to the various machining parameters, tool cost and machine fixed cost.