Feature precedence graphs as an approach for the forming operations planning of integral sheet metal parts

Feature precedence graphs are well-known models to describe products for process planning purposes. In this paper, we propose a process planning approach for integral sheet metal parts with higher order bifurcations. Those products are produced in a continuous manufacturing process by applying the new manufacturing technologies of linear flow splitting and linear bend splitting in combination with roll forming. We introduce new form-features, operation features, and forming features to represent integral sheet metal parts of higher order bifurcations from a design and manufacturing perspective on different levels of detail. The resulting feature precedence graphs are acyclic directed graphs. Thus, topological sorting algorithms can be applied to generate feasible sequences in the model.