Delmia Quesy

401

Computer-Aided Design and Applications
© 2008 CAD Solutions, LLC
http://www.cadanda.com

Simulation of a Machining Sequence Using Delmia/Quest Software
Zbigniew M. Bzymek1, Manuel Nunez2, Mu Li3 and Sean Powers4
1

University of Connecticut, zbigniew.bzymek@uconn.edu
University of Connecticut, manuel.nunez@business.uconn.edu
3
University of Connecticut, MEM Program, currently DartmouthCollege, mu.li@dartmouth.edu
4
University of Connecticut, MEM Program, sean.powers@uconn.edu
2

ABSTRACT
This paper describes a case study of analysis and optimization of the mechanical parts machining
sequence in a manufacturing cell using a systematic search method and a Quest computer
simulation model with graphical representation of the manufacturing processes. Data collected from
a company in theaerospace industry was analyzed, organized, and input into a Quest simulation
model. The simulation model objective was to determine bottleneck locations and what the optimal
batch size should be. The Quest software proved to be a powerful tool in assessing what changes
should be made to a manufacturing cell before incurring manufacturing improvements and/or
performing actual capital investments.Quest’s analytic and visual capacity proved to be a good tool
to integrate CAD and CAM, numerical output, graphical part description, simulation of machining
sequence, and bottleneck identification.
Keywords: CAD, CAM, Delmia/Quest, optimization, bottleneck identification.
DOI: 10.3722/cadaps.2008.401-411

1. INTRODUCTION
Integration of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing is akey method of improving quality of
products and optimizing the time of production. This approach greatly influences both industry and engineering
education [4]. The goal of this project was to introduce into a university program and to aircraft companies a practical
application of manufacturing optimization for the shortest time of production. In such an optimization model the
decision variablesare the choice of route of the work-pieces through the machines of the manufacturing cell and the
choice of machines [3]. The chosen tool to implement the model was Delmia/Quest modeling software. The project
was strongly connected with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and (NALI) National
Aerospace Leadership Initiative [5], programs developed to help the aircraft industry inConnecticut and to verify the
ability of Quest modeling software for academia teaching as well as to strengthen technology-led economic
competitiveness of aircraft companies [1]. CCAT’s modeling and simulation initiative is performed closely with
companies to help them reduce manufacturing costs. CCAT also works closely with universities, to familiarize the
students with Quest, collect the data andhelp students gain experience in preparation to entering the workforce.
Delmia/Quest Version D5R17SP3 [2] was the software used to prepare, setup, and perform the simulation for this
project. Quest provides a single collaborative environment for industrial and manufacturing engineers, and
management personnel to develop and provide the best manufacturing flow practices throughout the productiondesign process. With Quest, one can create virtual factories described in 2-D or 3-D formats. Quest contains predefined machine, part, and labor elements that allow users to build a simulation model effectively. Fig. 1 illustrates
Quest’s interface. Within Quest models, users can also design facility layout, process flow, staff schedules, machines
arrangement, and incorporate ergonomics constraints.Simulation data can then be manipulated into various charts
Computer-Aided Design & Applications, 5(1-4), 2008, 401-411

402

and tables. These data can also be extracted from the model and exported into various analysis tools such as Microsoft
Excel©.
Quest incorporates real production variables within a plant layout, such as time length between particular machining
processes, and laborers’...