Optimal sub-division of the depth of cut to achieve minimum production cost in multi-pass turning using a genetic algorithm

The selection of the depth of cut during optimisation in multi-pass turning is an important activity, along with the selection of the speed and feed. A new approach for the optimal sub-division of the depth of cut is presented using a genetic algorithm. The total production-cost minimisation is achieved by adding the minimum costs of the individual rough passes and the finish pass. The resulting sub-division of the depth of cut using the proposed methodology gives a cost that is lower than, or equal to, the minimum cost obtained by the commonly-practiced method of using the minimum depth of cut in the finish pass and a number of rough passes of equal size, or using enumerative search techniques based on integer programming and dynamic programming. © 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.