Computer-Aided Operation Planning for an Actual Machine Tool Based on Updatable Machining Database and Database-Oriented Planning Algorithm

To generate optimal machining information, a machining database and operation planning algorithm have to be customized for an actualmachine tool based on the knowledge of a skilled planner. In this paper, a method to update a machining database from NC data is proposed. The database is updated by adding machining information extracted fromNC data, based on tool path analysis. A method of generating a database-oriented planning algorithm from the machining database based on a decision tree method is also proposed. Machining strategy, cutting tool, and cutting conditions are determined based on the algorithm and k nearest neighbor method.