Feature based models for manufacturability assessment

This paper presents a Petri-net based modeling tool which enables part programs to be converted to a format which can be analyzed. The method builds upon individual "feature net" and a set of union rules to obtain a complete net of the model. The product manufacturability can be analyzed accordingly. The Petri-net properties of the model are presented in terms of safeness, boundedness, strict conservation, reachability and liveness. The robustness of the system is imbedded into the model with the introduction of cutting condition control, path reachability, and the concept of deadlock free systems. Two structures, line and arc, are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the present approach. The results shows the strength of Petri-net theory in the modeling of complex part for manufacturability assessment.