STEP-NC compliant approach for setup planning problem on multiple fixture pallets

Manufacturing system configuration is a broad problem that involves various topics concerning workpiece, cutters, fixture and machine. This paper presents an approach to solve the setup planning problem on machining centres based on a STEP-NC compliant data structure. The aim of this approach is to shorten the time required for the process planning activity by automating some time-consuming steps without compromising the solution accuracy. In the proposed approach, a CAM software tool is employed to associate the geometric and technological data regarding the product. Using the proposed data structure, a method is proposed for solving the setup planning problem based on mathematical programming. The developed approach has been tested on a real case. (C) 2013 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.