Research on clustering setup planning of part based on tolerance reasoning

To deal with setup planning problems in computer aided process planning, a novel setup planning method based on clustering analysis and tolerance reasoning was proposed orienting to machining features. By analyzing manufacturing process of part, the machining units were defined and a mathematical model for setup planning was established. Initial solution of setup planning was randomly generated, and dissimilarity matrix of machining units was calculated. The minimum group was formed by iterative clustering analysis. By tolerance reasoning, sequence constraint of machining units was acquired and setup planning sequences within group and between groups were generated. The optimal setup planning was put forward. Based on CATIA design platform, setup planning prototype system was developed and the proposed algorithm was verified by an example.