Comprehensive introduction to manufacturing process planning in the context of the latest techniques being used in industry

Manufacturing Process Planning is a comprehensive guide to the intricacies of the manufacturing planning process that leads readers through each stage of planning while providing practical examples that illustrate the manufacturing activities taking place at every juncture. Beginning with the fundamentals, the book bridges the gap between technical documents and product specifications, and how the information they contain can be effectively applied on the shop floor.

The book focuses around four key areas: selection of manufacturing processes, process planning in sand casting, process planning in machining, and process planning in inspection. Each chapter highlights best practices for activities such as casting, mold design, machining sequence identification, geometrical validation, CNC programming, the preparation of inspection reports, and more. Special attention is paid to manufacturing cost estimation and pricing, ensuring that the production process is not only feasible but also cost-effective.

To enhance the learning experience, the book comes complete with an active learning project brief and tutorial sessions covering casting simulation, pattern design, and CNC simulation using freely available software.

Manufacturing Process Planning includes information on:

• Fundamentals of casting, including heating the metal, pouring the molten metal, solidification and cooling, determining casting quality, and performing cleaning operations
• Definition and selection of workholding systems, covering principles of workholding, types of workholding systems, and general purpose of workholding devices for turning and milling
• Machine and cutting tool selection, and process parameter selection, covering specific guidelines in turning, milling, and drilling
• Documents for process planning, including process flow charts, routing sheets, and operation and tooling lists

Providing a hands-on approach to mastering the principles of manufacturing process planning, Manufacturing Process Planning is an ideal resource for undergraduate and graduate academic courses that incorporate a lab component, as well as production planning supervisors and managers looking to hone their knowledge base.