The Optimization of Machining Operations Based on a Combined Criterion, Part 2: Multipass Operations

Part 1 of this paper [1] introduced a novel, rational objective function that incorporates both the production cost and total time criteria. In Part 2, the problem of determining the optimum machining conditions for multipass operations is investigated. The optimum number of machining passes is obtained through the dynamic programming technique and the optimum machining conditions for each pass are then determined based on the objective function discussed in Part 1. This approach can be very effectively applied to multistage machining since the optimum arrangement of the different operations can be determined by the dynamic programming method while the optimum cutting conditions for the operations in each machining stage are obtained using the method for single-pass while incorporating the objective function described in Part 1. A multipass turning process is theoretically analyzed and a computational procedure for obtaining the machining parameters is developed. Several examples are presented in order to illustrate the procedure and demonstrate the advantages of the proposed optimization technique for a multipass turning operation.