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The paper concerns the development of generic computer aided optimization techniques for the minimization of residence time of a multi-component pallet in a horizontal machining centre. A general methodology has been established to take a part program for a multi-faced pallet, that involves many components, typically 20-30, and tool changes, segment it to extract the position and machining conditions embedded in it, automatically re-sequence the machining operations to find the optimum total tool path, and regenerate a new part program with the optimized machining sequence. A range of case studies has been used to: validate the software, and to demonstrate its ability to minimize the total pallet residence time. The techniques developed can be used for semi-automatic part programming of the entire pallet with multi-components, and with an auto-selection multi-tool facility. The software is capable of achieving a large reduction in part programming time, as well as reducing the non-machining time. It is shown that the use of the optimization package with a range of part programs reduces the total pallet residence time by a factor between 9.5 and 36%, and consequently has the potential to achieve considerable economic gains.

The paper concerns the development of computeraided techniques for the minimization of the total residence time of a multi-component pallet in a machining centre. Methodologies have been developed to take part programs for many components, segment them, automatically re-sequence them, and regenerate them. Modern control features such as canned cycles, tool length offset, and tool radius compensation have been included to make the techniques more widely applicable.It is shown that the use of the computer-aided optimization techniques reduce the non-productive tool movement by up to a factor of 27%. Representative examples are given in the paper which demonstrate the techniques and the methodologies developed.

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