Generation and optimization of process routing based on ant colony algorithm

Based on the ant colony algorithm, an algorithm was proposed for the process route optimization to solve the decision-making problems of the process route in a Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) system. Each part was divided into some feature cells, and the operation cells were generated by machining chains of feature cells. The similarity of every two operation cells was represented by the weighted Hamming distance on the basis of their properties. According to the constraints of the operation cells,the preference sequences of the operation cells were determined, and the fore cells of each operation cell were obtained. A process route was generated and optimized by using the modified ant colony algorithm under the taboo criterion and constraints. Experiments results revealed that this algorithm was feasible and effective.