Evolutionary optimization of machining processes

The many problems arising in manufacturing have led to the development of a new area of technology which Merchant has called "optimization technology" and has defined as being that area which facilitates operation of a manufacturing system at its minimum cost point, while helping to maximize performance by providing information and control. The most important areas of optimization technology are computer-related technology and variable programme automation. Variable programme automation deals largely with the direct automatic control of manufacturing operations, as in numerical control and adaptive control. This presents the possibility of the eventual realization of a fully automated self-optimizing integrated manufacturing system. [Continues.]