Process capability modelling for design and selection of processing equipment

Due to the increased complexity of modem manufacturing facilities and the increased demands for product variability and system flexibility there is a need for coherent formal representation of the basic knowledge domains supporting manufacturing applications such as equipment selection. The paper presents an integrated framework for equipment selection based upon describing process capability at generic, machine tool and manufacturing system levels. The decision making process is designed as a sequence of steps for transforming component design information into processing requirements which are mapped into specific physical machines organised as a processing system.