Selecting a machine for an operation
When you select a routing, aPriori automatically selects a machine for each process, based on machine feasibility and selection rules defined for each process. For example, for most processes, the machine must be physically large enough to accommodate the part. Of the machines that meet the feasibility rules, the machine that is selected typically is the machine of that set with the lowest overhead rate. You may manually select a different machine than the one that aPriori selects automatically.
The machines available for a process are defined by the selected VPE.
To view the machines that can be used by a process
Do one of the following to display the machine properties for a process’ machines on the Machine Selection window:
• If the process is included in the current routing, right-click the process in the Manufacturing Process pane and select Machine Selection from the context menu.
• If the process is not included in the current routing, select Edit > Routing Selection in the Manufacturing Process pane to display the Routing Selection window, then right-click the process and select Machine Selection from the context menu.
If the Machine Selection option is disabled on the context menu, machine selection is not allowed for the process.
To manually select a machine for a process
1 View the machines that can be used for a process on the Machine Selection window (see above).
2 Select a machine from the list.
If you cannot select a machine, machine selection is not allowed for the process.
3 To change selection policy, click Advanced Options. You can choose from the following options:
• Check feasibility; if not feasible, auto select.
• Check feasibility; if not feasible, fail to cost.
• Do not check feasibility.
4 Click Ok to apply changes, recalculate the cost, and close the Edit Machine Selection window; or click Apply to apply changes and recalculate the cost without leaving the window.