CAPP: Advantages and Approaches

Advantages of CAPP

• Systematic development of accurate and consistent process plans
• Reduced cost and lead time of process planning
• Increased productivity and reduced skill requirements for process planners
• Can interface with higher-level applications like cost estimation and work standards

Approaches to CAPP

• Retrieval/Variant: uses principles of GT and Parts Classification & Coding to select and edit generic process plans for specific part families
• Generative: creates process plans from scratch without human intervention using decision logic, formulas, algorithms, and geometry-based data

Quality Control (QC)

• Traditional Methods: Manual inspection and statistical sampling
• Objectives of CAQC: improve product quality, increase productivity in inspection, and reduce lead-time and wastage

Role of Computers in QC

• Computer-Aided Inspection (CAI) and Computer-Aided Testing (CAT): performed automatically using computers and sensors, integrated into CIM systems

Inspection Methods

• Contact Method: uses mechanical probes, widely used in manufacturing for metal parts and electrical circuit testing
• Non-Contact Method: eliminates need for workpiece repositioning, faster and avoids mechanical wear and surface damage
• Examples of Non-Contact Devices: Intelligent robots with computer vision and sensors for automated test cells, Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

• Structure: table and movable head with a sensing probe, controlled by CNC
• Types: Cantilever, Bridge, Column, Gantry, Horizontal

Advantages of Non-Contact Inspection

• No need to reposition the workpiece
• Faster than contact inspection
• No mechanical wear or part surface damage

Group Technology (GT)

• Philosophy: group parts based on similarities in design or manufacturing processes to reduce overall manufacturing costs
• Part Families: grouped by geometry or processing methods

Communications Standards

• Need: improve communication and efficiency in manufacturing with standards like ISO/OSI reference model

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing

• Definition: systems exhibiting human-like intelligence (learning, reasoning, problem-solving)
• Goal: simulate human behaviors on computers
• Application: knowledge engineering to solve application problems

New Trends in CAD/CAE/CAM

• Technologies: artificial intelligence in CAD software, cloud-based software, digital twin, model-based definition, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), robotics, industrial automation, 3D printing/additive manufacturing

Questions and Answers

• Primary function of CAD: define the design geometry for architectural structures, mechanical parts, building layouts, or electronic circuits
• Main components of CAD hardware: computer, graphics display terminals, keyboards, and other equipment
• Advantages of using CAD software: detailed and precise designs, easier modifications, cost estimation on the design itself
• Main goal of CAM: automate, assist, and control various manufacturing processes using computer software and hardware technologies
• Difference between direct and indirect CAM systems: direct CAM systems involve computer monitoring and controlling the manufacturing process directly, while indirect CAM systems do not
• Concept of Kanban: visual system for controlling production quantities and timing, ensuring production matches customer demand, and preventing overproduction and reducing waste
• Basic types of topology for a LAN: star, ring, and bus topology
• Contribution of AI to manufacturing: simulating human behaviors, automating and optimizing complex manufacturing tasks, and improving decision-making processes
• New trends in CAD/CAE/CAM technologies: cloud-based software, digital twin technology, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
• Lean manufacturing: systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste in every area of manufacturing through continuous improvement, focusing on maintaining productivity by emphasizing product flow in a pull system and reducing non-value-added activities

This quiz covers the benefits of Computer-Aided Process Planning (CAPP) and its approaches, including Retrieval/Variant. Learn about the advantages of CAPP and how it works.