Intelligent process‐planning system or optimal CNC programming – a step towards complete automation of CNC programming

One of the bottle‐necks of computer numerical control (CNC) machining is the CNC programming. It relies on the experience and skills of the CNC programmer for the generation of the CNC program. The intelligent process‐planning system described in this paper generates a process plan automatically for CNC programming. It utilizes artificial intelligent technologies such as knowledge base, blackboard system and machine learning to extract machineable features, and proposes and selects optimal tools for the machining of the given part. Its flexibility and simplicity provide a convenient way to include new techniques and knowledge. The incorporation of this system with other CAD/CAM tools could effectively automate the CNC programming process.