An enriched machining feature based approach to cutting tool selection

Cutting tools, considered as a basic prerequisite machining resource, are generally selected according to the selected machining methods, which cannot fit in the current manufacturing environment where small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the major manufacturers. For the survival of SMEs, it is critical to develop methods for selecting proper cutting tools and reducing machining cost according to product data. Therefore, this study proposes an enriched machining feature (MF)-based approach towards adaptive cutting tool and machining method selection, in which both machinability and machining cost of MF are considered. It includes a two-step workflow: filtering and optimisation. In the filtering process, cutting tools are filtered according to workpiece materials, geometries of MFs and cutting tool inventory, respectively. Here, MF geometries depend on Machining Limit Value decided by sizes and interference relationships of MFs. Also, the client is suggested to choose proper new cutting tools. In the optimisation process, the filtered cutting tools are considered for all the MFs, and machining costs are calculated for each option, in order to select the cheapest one. In particular, if similar cutting tools are required for different MFs, the cutting tool selection for these MFs should be performed altogether.