Optimal tool selection for pocket machining in process planning

In process planning for pocket machining, selection of tool size, tool path, cutting width at each tool path, and calculation of machining time are very important factors for optimal process planning. The tool size is the most important factor because the other factors depend on tool size. Therefore, the optimal selection of tool size is the most essential task in pocket machining process planning. This paper presents a method for selecting optimal tools for pocket machining for the components of injection mold. The branch and bound method is applied to select the optimal tools which minimize the machining time by using the range of feasible tools and the breadth-first search. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.