GA-based synthesis approach for machining scheme selection and operation sequencing optimization for prismatic parts

To obtain global and near-global optimal process plans based on the combinations of different machining schemes selected from each feature, a genetic algorithm-based synthesis approach for machining scheme selection and operation sequencing optimization is proposed. The memberships derived from the fuzzy logic neural network (FL-NN), which contains the membership function of each machining operation to batch size, are presented to determine the priorities of alternative machining operations for each feature. After all alternative machining schemes for each feature are generated, their memberships are obtained by calculation. The proposed approach contains the outer iteration and nested genetic algorithm (GA). In an outer iteration, one machining scheme for each feature is selected by using the roulette wheel approach or highest membership approach in terms of its membership first, and then the corresponding operation precedence constraints are generated automatically. These constraints, which can be modified freely in different outer iterations, are then used in a constraints adjustment algorithm to ensure the feasibility of process plan candidates generated in GA. After that, GA obtains an optimal process plan candidate. At last, the global and near-global optimal process plans are obtained by comparing the optimal process plan candidates in the whole outer iteration. The proposed approach is experimentally validated through a case study.