Abstract: A method for managing a modular product life cycle is described. A central computing device or system receives inputs representative of one or more of: an expected product life cycle, a market demand for the product, a manufacturing process for the product, a reverse manufacturing process for the product, and one or more technical engineering constraints associated with the product. From this information, a first modular product design is determined. Later in the life cycle of the modular product a second plurality of inputs representative of one or more of: a market demand, a manufacturing process, a reverse manufacturing process, and one or more technical engineering constraints are retrieved. From this information, a second modular product design is determined.

Abstract: A method for managing a modular product life cycle is described. A central computing device or system receives inputs representative of one or more of: an expected product life cycle, a market demand for the product, a manufacturing process for the product, a reverse manufacturing process for the product, and one or more technical engineering constraints associated with the product. From this information, a first modular product design is determined. Later in the life cycle of the modular product a second plurality of inputs representative of one or more of: a market demand, a manufacturing process, a reverse manufacturing process, and one or more technical engineering constraints are retrieved. From this information, a second modular product design is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing chip breaking performance of a selected tool insert used in finish turning for automated machining operations. The method broadly includes the steps for developing a chip groove classification system based upon selected geometric parameters of commercially available tool inserts. Additionally, the method includes creating a fuzzy rule base utilizing the chip groove classification system and actual chip breaking performance data for the commercially available tool inserts. The fuzzy rule base is then used for assessing the chip breaking performance of the selected tool insert. The method takes into account selected geometric parameters, such as, land, primary rake, secondary rake, groove width, groove depth, groove height and slope of backwall.

Abstract: A method for achieving optimum selection of machining parameters and tool inserts for finish turning operations is provided. The method allows for the simultaneous consideration of the various machining performance criteria which are highly interactive and need to be taken into consideration when defining optimum cutting conditions or selecting optimum tool inserts. The method broadly includes the steps of (1) developing a process model relating performance variables for said operation with process parameters for said operation; (2) applying multiple criteria optimization techniques to construct a utility function relating the tool life and material removal rate for optimization, using surface roughness, cutting power, and chip breakability as constraints; (3) applying non-linear programming techniques to the process model so that optimum cutting conditions may be selected for given machining performance requirements. This method may also take into account the progressive wear state of the tool being used.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for achieving optimum selection of machining parameters and tool inserts for finish turning operations is provided. The computer implemented method allows for the simultaneous consideration of the various machining performance criteria which are highly interactive and need to be taken into consideration when defining optimum cutting conditions or selecting optimum tool inserts for particular cutting conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing tool-wear and predicting tool-life for a selected cutting tool performing a machining operation. The method is broadly defined as including the steps of determining a tool coating effect factor and a chip-groove effect factor for the coated, grooved cutting tool. Additionally, the method includes the calculation of a tool-life for the coated, grooved cutting tool. The method takes into account selected machining operation conditions such as the characteristics of the workpiece material to be cut, the depth of cut, the feed rate, the cutting speed and the cutting tool geometry.