Efficacious integration of such CAx technologies as CAD, CAM and CAPP still remains a problem in engineering practice which constantly attracts research attention. Design by feature model is assumed as a main factor in the integration effort in various engineering and manufacturing domains. It refers principally to feature clustering and consequently operation sequencing in elaborated process plan designs. The focus of this paper is on CAPP for parts manufacture in systems of definite processing capabilities, involving multi-axis machining centres. A methodical approach is proposed to optimally solve for process planning problems, which consists in the identification of process alternatives and sequencing adequate working steps. The approach involves the use of the branch and bound concept from the field of artificial intelligence. A conceptual scheme for generation of alternative process plans in the form of a network is developed. It is based on part design data modelling in terms of machining features. A relevant algorithm is proposed for creating such a network and searching for the optimal process plan solution from the viewpoint of its operational performance, under formulated process constraints. The feasibility of the approach and the algorithm are illustrated by a numerical case with regard to a real application and diverse machine tools with relevant tooling. Generated process alternatives for complex machining with given systems, are studied using models programmed in the environment of Matlab^® software.

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) has been, for many years, a precise and efficient non-conventional manufacturing solution in various industrial applications, mostly involving the use of hard-to-machine materials like, among others, the Inconel super alloys. The focus of the present study is on exploring the effect of selected control parameters, including pulse duration, pulse-off time and the dielectric flow pressure on the WEDM process performance characteristics of Inconel 617 material, such as: volumetric material removal rate (MRR), the dimensional accuracy of cutting (reflected by the kerf width) and surface roughness (SR). The research experiment has been designed and carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM) accordingly with the Box–Behnken design scheme. The results of experiments derived in the form of a fitted regression model have been subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Thus, the variable process parameters and the relevant interactions between them, characterized by a significant influence on the values of the derived output responses, could be explicitly determined.

The focus of this paper is on process planning for large parts manufacture in systems of definite process capabilities, involving the use of multi-axis machining centres. The analysis of machining heavy mechanical components used in off-shore constructions has been carried out. Setup concepts applied and operation sequences determined in related process plans underwent studies. The paper presents in particular a reasoning approach to setup sequencing and machine assignment in manufacturing large-size components of offshore constructions. The relevant reasoning mechanism within a decision making scheme on generated process plan is shown based on a case study derived from the offshore sector. Recommendations for manufacture of selected exemplary and typical parts were formulated.