Algorithm for Generating Manufacturing Times from CAD Models

Project Description

The goal of this project is to use a data set of 3D CAD models (input) correlated to known manufacturing times for milling (output) so to generate an algorithm(s) to predict milling manufacturing times from 3D CAD models.  This is an exploratory project to determine whether the inputs currently available can provide algorithmic outputs that are accurate within +/- 5% of known outputs.

We are looking for out of the box thinking to develop these alogrithms.  We are are dealing with 3D objects and there may be unconventional approaches that may help us accurately predict the Run Time so that it can be used to balance the Capacity Loading on our shop floor.  This Run Time would serve as a workload trigger to accurately manage committed lead times.

Data Inputs

Option A: 3D CAD Model: available in a variety of formats (see Appendix A)

Option B: Option A plus Variables (see Appendix B) readily extracted from 3D CAD model (ie XYZ extents, volume, area)

Option C: Option B plus Variables (see Appendix C) extracted 3D CAD model from Rapid developed proprietary tools

Data Output (Results)

Provided in Data Sample:

1. Total Run Time

• Operation 1 Run Time
• Operation 2 Run Time

2. Desired Data Output

• Total Run Time per Part

3. Even More Useful Data Output

• Separate Run Times for Operation 1 and Operation 2

4. All parts provided will only have two Operations

Our Current Software & Platforms

• C# is our main Code Platform with Visual Studio 2013
• SQL DataBase
• WCF Services
• MVC5 Web Sites
• AWS

Output Format

• If possible, we would like a R .dll with a C# wrapper that we can use in our code for each process run (If this is not in your skill-set, then we can have someone else do this--your job will be to provide R code).
• Total Time for each part
• Extra credit: Time for Operation 1 and Operation 2 for each part

Questions

• Is the project feasible?
• Do the Data Inputs provide enough information?
• Is the desired Output reasonable? What sort of accuracy range can be expected?

Appendices (see attached PowerPoint file)

• CAD Model Formats
• Variables 3D Model
• Variables Company

NB: An Excel file is attached with part run times and definitions and a zip file contains 3D models that are linked to the "Part URL" column in the Excel file.

Please clearly specify the following in your proposal:

1. Your understanding of the problem and your questions, if any.
2. How would you tackle this problem--what kind of techniques would be effective and why?
3. How much time it would take to build a proof of concept and how many parts would you include in your proof of concept?
4. What is your budget of the proof of concept?