Results of work for the development of methodologies for mathematical modeling and economic analysis of material removal processes and presented. Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify the major unsolved problem areas and to examine the necessary techniques for their solution. The major problems identified were: (1) the selection of levels and positions of independent variables during the planning of experiments; (2) definition of the working region within which the model is valid, and (3) incorporation of variable radial depth and/or feed during a given cut. A methodology for solving problems (1) and (2) was developed and verified through analysis of available machining data from end milling tests (Contract No. F33615-74-C-5025) and from turning (Contract No. F33615-73-C-5180). A series of end milling tests with variable radial depth and/or feed were conducted to determine the effect of in-process changes in machining variables on tool wear and tool life. Shop floor validation of the laboratory data was carried out. Economic analysis for process design, planning and optimization was conducted through the development of macro-economic and microeconomic models.

Information Control Problems in Manufacturing Technology 1979 is a compilation of papers presented at the second IFAC/IFIP Symposium held at Stuttgart, Germany on October 22-24, 1979. The book discusses the following topics: flexible manufacturing systems research; information processing in large and small systems; materials handling in a manufacturing system; control requirements in industrial robot use; and quality assurance in automated manufacturing processes. The text gives an overview of the Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing program employed in aerospace batch manufacturing. One paper then presents a research and development program of Japan pertaining to use of lasers in a flexible manufacturing system complex. Another paper discusses the development and set-up of two flexible and different manufacturing systems; the paper also explains the appropriate information processing system that will control such complicated manufacturing processes. Another paper presents the advances in computers for quality control applications that are expected through lower hardware costs and better utilization of statistical methods. Mechanical engineers, technical designers, and students with serious interest in automatic control and computer-aided systems will find this book valuable.

Metal removal processes - cutting and grinding in this book - are an integral part of a large number of manufacturing systems, either as the primary manufacturing process, or as an important part of preparing the tooling for other manufacturing processes. In recent years, industry and educational institutions have concentrated on the metal removal system, perhaps at the expense of the process. This book concentrates on metal removal processes, particularly on the modeling aspects that can either give a direct answer or suggest the general requirements as to how to control, improve or change a metal removal process. This modeling knowledge is more important with automated computer controlled systems than it has ever been before, because quantitative knowledge is needed to design and operate these systems. This senior undergraduate/graduate textbook is aimed at providing the quantitative knowledge, often times at an elementary level, for handling the technological aspects of setting up and operating a metal removal process and interpreting the experience of planning, operating and improving a metal removal process based on rule of thumb approaches.