Process Planning
Process planning is the systematic determination of method or process by which the product is to be manufactured economically and competitively within the limits of design specifications laid down. It consists of devising , selecting and specifying processes, machine tools and other equipment to convert raw materials into finished products.
Process planning can also be defined as a subsystem responsible for the conversion of design data to work instruction.A more specific definition of process planning is that function within a manufacturing facility which establishes the processes and process parameters to be used, as well as those machines and tools capable of performing these processes in order to convert a piece part from its initial form to a final form that is predetermined (usually by the design engineer) on a detailed engineering drawing.
Process planning is an intermediate stage between designing the product and manufacturing it. However the basic process planning must begins during the product design stage where selection of materials and initial forms such as casting forging etc., take place.
The process planning prepares a plan of manufacture considering the factors;

1. The functional requirements of the product.
2. Volume of output.
3. The necessary operations and their sequence.
4. Tools and equipment necessary.
5. Estimated manufacturing cost for producing the product.
6. Requirements of tools labour etc.