Formal modelling of a sheet metal smart manufacturing system by using Petri nets and first-order predicate logic

This study introduces a developed method to a smart computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, where layout design, process planning, and comprehensive computerized numerical control (CNC) code generation can be implemented to satisfy laser cutting holes, tapping, irregular and complicated profile processing, engraving, and burr back-scraping. The smart CAD/CAM(SCAM) system is developed as a commercial software product or application and firstly applied to flexible sheet metal machining center (BGL 130R). In this study, a formal modeling method involving Petri nets and first-order predicate logic is proposed to develop the smart manufacturing system. High-level Petri nets are employed to achieve the formal application architecture design of data flow for various functions, and the first-order logic used to represent the process plan is defined and deduced according to the machining methods. The developed system possesses the following characteristics: (1) a sound and complete deductive system to implement various types of trajectory planning, automatic generation, and validation of the CNC code; (2) a convenient design input environment and readiness for re-design and modification by adding specific design functions and using standard design procedures on a widely used CAD/CAM package; (3) helpful for designers in sheet metal layout designing, layout interference detection, process planning validation, preprocess manufacturing operation of CNC code generation, and autodefinition of storable file names; and (4) formal and simple in human–computer interaction, automatic and intelligent in process operations, and satisfactory in terms of the requirements of the flexible sheet metal machining center (BGL 130R).