Ontology Based Knowledge Modeling and Reuse Approach of Supporting Process Planning in Layer-Based Additive Manufacturing

The process planning task for given design requirements in layer-based additive manufacturing can be greatly improved by referencing a previously developed process plan along with manufacturing rules. In this paper, an ontology based knowledge modeling and reuse strategy toward process planning in additive manufacturing was proposed. Knowledge modeling included creating a design feature ontology that was used as a common information model both in CAD and process planning, representation of manufacturing rules that describe the principle and characteristics for selecting manufacturing variables. A case study of an attenuator housing illustrates the brief process of the proposed approach.