Computer-aided process planning and estimating as part of an integrated CADCAM system

Many aspects of process planning and estimating are both repetitive and prone to human error and do not fully use the skill of the engineers involved. Many of the tasks are of a semi-clerical nature and entail logical decision making based on predetermined sets of rules, and the retrieval and modification of data. Such tasks are ideal for computerisation. This paper examines the various approaches to computer-aided process planning and estimating and considers its place in an integrated CADCAM system.