Skip to main content

An Agent-based Sheet Metal Process Planning System

  • Chapter
Rapid One-of-a-kind Product Development
  • 777 Accesses

Abstract

The requirements for computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems have changed in the current integrated manufacturing environment. More requirements such as openness, real time operation and distribution of process planning need to be satisfied by integration. New systems must be open and dynamic with the ability to adapt and accept radical unpredictable changes in structures and industrial practices. This chapter proposes an agent-based process planning system (ABPPS) for optimal sheet metal PD. The structure of the system is discussed in detail. A number of agents are defined, including an unfolding agent, a feature recognition agent, a task agent, a nesting agent, a path planning agent, a bending agent, a machining method selection agent, a machine selection agent and a fixture/jig selection agent. Intermodules of typical agents (nesting agent, path planning agent, bending agent) are built for the system. In addition, how agents cooperate with others to implement tasks is also investigated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Allen, R.D., Harding J.A. and Newman S.T., 2001, The application of STEP-NC using agentbased process planning, Wolfson School of Mechanical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bose, U., 1999, A cooperative problem solving framework for computer-aided process planning, Proceedings of the 32nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 05–08 Jan 1999, Maui, HI, USA, p. 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burkett, W.C. and Yang, Y., 1995, The STEP integration information architecture, Engineering with Computers, 11, 136–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caire, G., 2003, JADE Programming for Beginners, JADE Tutorial, http://jade.cselt.it/.

  • Chan, F.T.S., Zhang, J. and Li, P., 2001, Modelling of integrated, distributed and cooperative process planning system using an agent-based approach, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineering, Part B Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 215, 1437–1451.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cherkaoui, S., Desrochers, A. and Habhouba, D., 2003, A multi-agent architecture for automated product technical specifications verification in CAD environments, Journal of Integrated Design and Process Science, 7(2), 21–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Concordia Web Site, 2001, http://www.meitca.com/HSL/Projects/Concordia.

  • Deshpande, S. and Cagan, J., 2004, An agent based optimization approach to manufacturing process planning, Journal of Mechanical Design, 126, 46–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denkena, B., Tönshoff, H.K., Zwick, M., and Woelk, P.O., 2002, Process planning and scheduling with multiagent systems, in Knowledge and Technology Integration in Production and Services– Balancing Knowledge and Technology in Product and Service Life Cycle, Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 339–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gasser, L. and Hill, R.W., 1990, Coordinated problem solvers, Annual Reviews of Computer Science, 4, 203–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, C.-C., 2004, A multi-agent approach to collaborative design of modular products, Concurrent Engineering, 12, 39–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katayama, T., 2002, http://www.soi.wide.ad.jp/class/20010030/slides/05/15.html.

  • Kornienk, S., Kornienk, O. and Priese, J., 2004, Application of multi-agent planning to the assignment problem, Computers in Industry, 54, 273–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navin, K., 1997, An expert systems application in electromagnetic compatibility, Master’s thesis, University of Missouri-Rolla.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, H.G. and Baik, J.M., 1999, Enhancing manufacturing PD through learning agent system over internet, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 37, 117–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, W., Wang, L. and Hao, Q., 2004, Agent-based integration of manufacturing process planning and scheduling: a review, Proceedings of FAIM 2004, Toronto, Canada, pp. 906–914.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shih, W. and Srihari, K., 1995, Distributed artificial intelligence in manufacturing systems control, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 29, 199–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sluga, A., Butala, P. and Bervar, G., 1998, A multi-agent approach to process planning and fabrication in distributed manufacturing, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 35, 455–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, J., Zhang, Y.F. and Nee, A.Y.C., 2001, A distributed multi-agent environment for product design and manufacturing planning, International Journal of Production Research, 39, 625–645.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Vin, L.J., de Vries, J., Streppel, A.H., Klaassen, E.J.W. and Kals, H.J.J., 1994, The Generation of Bending Sequences in a CAPP System for Sheet-Metal Components, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 41, 331–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C.H. and Bourne, D.A., 1997, Design and manufacturing of sheet metal parts: using features to aid process planning and resolve manufacturability problems, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 13, 281–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L.H. and Shen, W., 2003, DPP: an agent-based approach for distributed process planning, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 14, 429–439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, G. and Xie, S.Q., 2005. Optimal process planning for a combined punch and laser cutting machine using ant algorithms, International Journal of Production Research, 43(11), 2195–2216.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Wooldridge, M. and Jennings, N.R., 2000, The Gaia methodology for agent-oriented analysis and design, Autonomous Agents and Multi-Agent Systems, 3, 285–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, S.Q., Tu, Y.L., Liu, J.Q. and Zhou, Z.D., 2001, Integrated and concurrent approach for compound sheet metal cutting and punching, International Journal of Production Research, 39(6), 1095–1112. ISSN 0020-7453 print /ISSN 1366-588X.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, W.J. and Xie, S.Q., 2007, Agent technology for collaborative process planning: a review, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 32(3–4), 315–325.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., Feng, C., Wang, X., Tian, W. and Wu, R., 1999, Object oriented manufacturing resource modeling for adaptive process planning, International Journal of Production Research, 37, 4179–4195.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, F.L. and Wu, S.Y., 1999, A cooperative framework for process planning, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 12, 168–178.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Xie, S., Tu, Y. (2011). An Agent-based Sheet Metal Process Planning System. In: Rapid One-of-a-kind Product Development. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-341-1_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-341-1_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84996-340-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84996-341-1

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics