Object-oriented process planning system for printed circuit boards fabrication (OOPP)

An Object-Oriented Process Planning (OOPP) system that generates a particular process plan for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication is developed. The OOPP is an integrated system that access the manufacturing database, which includes the fabrication processes and the main parameters of Printed Circuit Boards. An Object-Oriented approach has several benefits which include a modular system structure that combine procedures (programs) with data values, improving the communication among different manufacturing activities, and achieving less system maintenance and down stream errors. OOPP system based on Group Technology (GT) concept and PCB fabrication rules. Applying Group Technology within Object Oriented process planning structure is a new application in this field. This gives more flexibility to the system and presents a technique that intends future reuse.