'The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology'
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has played an important role in manufacturing, especially in
customized production. It is an ideal 'Concurrent Manufacturing' which enables fabricating a
group of same or even different multiple parts simultaneously within one build volume due to
its unique layer by layer processing way. However, there is very few available methods or
tools for users, e.g. the AM manufacturing service bureaus, to optimize the process and
production plan in multiple parts production context. To deal with this problem, this paper
introduces an AM feature and knowledge based systematic process planning strategy. The
main contents and key issues of process planning for AM in multiple parts production context
are analyzed. Then, a developing CAPP system based on a systematic process planning
framework for AM in this multiple parts production context is presented. Finally, some test
examples are applied to demonstrate the functions and effectiveness of some key modules of
the developing system.Mechanical Engineerin
