Retrieval of machining information from feature patterns using artificial neural networks

The integration of design and manufacturing has been the subject of much debate and discussion over a long period of time. Recognition of feature patterns and the retrieval of necessary machining information from those patterns play vital roles in this process of integration, as they facilitate the selection of the necessary manufacturing parameters required to transform the designed product into a final physical entity. Although the problem of recognising features from a solid model has been exclusively studied, most existing product models are expressed as engineering drawings. Moreover, the solid model can only provide complete 3D topological and geometrical data and some of the essential machining information cannot be retrieved. In this paper, an approach for defining engineering features, like slots, steps and circular pockets is proposed using binary strings. Two artificial neural networks, one for slots and steps and the other for circular pockets, are designed and developed. These neural networks take the binary strings as inputs and give the relevant machining information as outputs. The networks are trained with non-interacting features and after training, those will become capable of providing the necessary machining information for both non-interacting and interacting features in the domains of slots, steps and circular pockets. This novel approach can further be extended to other features for retrieving relevant machining information and thus facilitating the effective integration of design and manufacturing.