Knowledge Representation for Knowledge-based Generative CAPP

In this paper we discuss the features and knowledge representation issues involved in knowledge-based generative CAPP because CAPP is not only related to CAD and but also knowledge about manufacturing. As many forms of knowledge are needed in knowledge-based generative CAPP, with the features we defined based on the cutting tools for the feature machining, we discuss the knowledge representation about the part description, and manufacturing resources knowledge which are manufacturing operations, cutting tools, machine tools. All this knowledge is connected by the features defined to help knowledge-based generative process planning and also this knowledge can have a link to the feature-based part modeling. With the features defined, all knowledge is no longer stand alone knowledge so that it can support knowledge-based generative CAPP well.