ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces concept of an integrated machining system for the generation of production plans. The machining features of a component are represented in the knowledge base in the form of frames with hierarchical relationships. The lattice structure consists of eight types of frame used for a rotationally symmetric part, which are: plane, horizontal, vertical, taper, arc, chamfer, groove, and thread. The machining feature builder makes a complete set of all the machinable features of a part for the knowledge base. Production rules are used in the pattern matching process. The machining feature builder is designed in such a manner that modification to the knowledge base can be done easily. Thus, the production rule for a groove can be extended to provide for a wide groove, a narrow groove, and a deep groove. An integrated machining system is one of the essential component in automated manufacturing environments.
