Papers by Keyword: STEP-NC

Abstract: This review paper describes the implementation process for STEPNCFBUoA. Its software environment is first explained. ST-Developer is the central software tool that is responsible for converting EXPRESS schema to Java classes. FBDK is the tool used for developing the function blocks editor, raw material user interface, machining set-up data interface, and machine tool database. The two examples in the ISO 14649-11 standard are used as the main test parts. The paper provides a detailed account of STEP-NC data processing, Graphic user interface (GUI) and local manufacturing databases, for example, raw material, set-up, machine tool, and cutting tool databases. Machining simulation is validated through physical machining. This is done through machining a number of parts with varying data. The simulation graphic user interface is simple and wire-frame based, but sufficiently illustrates the tool-path information as well as showing the machine tools limits, and set-up orientations.

Abstract: STEP-NC is an extension of STEP that defines a machine independent bi-directional data standard for Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) systems. A framework of an intelligent process planning system for milling based on STEP-NC is proposed. Four functional layers are involved in the software-based framework of STEP-NC intelligent process planning system. The intelligent technology, such as neural network, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm, is utilized to generate and optimize the process route. The implementation of the purposed prototype system named ST-ICAPP is presented based on Solidworks. An example is given to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the prototype system. As a result, this research shows a high potential to aid the development of new CAPP milling system.

Abstract: On-machine measurement (OMM) is an important part of closed-loop manufacturing (CLM) system. How to achieve real-time measurement operation and measurement result integration claimed by CLM is a major issue that concerns software and hardware vendors. This paper proposed a STEP-NC compatible on-machine measurement system that was compatible with interoperable data model. In the beginning, information model of the system was proposed referring to current data model standards supporting closed-loop manufacturing. After that, a hierarchical process planning approach was present to plan the OMM process. Object-oriented macro programs were utilized to post process the planned inspection information and ensure the correct measuring result correlation. Besides, inspection items and measurement points were uniformly and uniquely identified to ensure the accurate and reliable associations of measurement results with the design model. At last, a STEP-NC compatible on-machine measurement prototype system was developed based on CATIA, and the validity and practicality of the proposed on-machine measurement system was demonstrated with an aeronautic test part.

Abstract: Integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) have been extensively studied by the people both in academia and industry during the last few decades. Because of fluency of information flow achieved by taking the same data model, advantages brought from integration of CAD and CAM are obvious, such as cost savings and improved efficiency. However, another impediment about information flow still exists between CAM and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC). The data model used in the planning department is quite different to the G codes (ISO 6983) used on the shopfloor. This means that the translation of the data format is inescapable, moreover, any information added or modified by the operator on the shopfloor cannot be fed back to the planning department. a two-directional interface between CAM and CNC. Integration of CAM and CNC based on STEP-NC can be realized seamlessly.

Abstract: Open control is a well known term in the field of machine control. This paper presents a framework of STandard for the Exchange of Product Data-compliant Numerical Control (STEP-NC) based open control system for Computer Numeric Control (CNC) milling machine. Real time control, high efficiency and low cost have been the main focus of proposed open control system. A method that develops open control system is composed of hardware and software platforms. Proposed open control system helps in to improves the quality of machining, increase productivity, saves times, avoid machine accidents, increase tool life and enables monitoring/inspection/control system for various machining processes and parameters online/offline.

Abstract: To realize the STEP-NC based machining system, it is necessary to perform machining feature extraction, generating machine-specific information, and creating a relationship between STEP-NC entities. A process planning system of a STEP-NC information flow that starts with constructing a machining feature from a CAD model will be developed. In this paper, a further in-depth study of the implementation and adaptation of STEP-NC in manufacturing is studied. This study will help to understand how the data from CAD/CAM can be converted into STEP-NC codes and the machining process will be based on the STEP-NC codes generated.

Abstract: This paper outlines a conceptual framework of STEP-NC manufacturing system, which integrates the entire manufacturing process including CAD, CAPP, CAM and CNC, to make full use of the advantages of the new generation of data model. The STEP-NC manufacturing system consists of five parts and the STEP-NC standard is used to transport the complete product information. The intelligent CNC in this system can parse STEP-NC program directly so that no translation is needed and the part programs are reusable. Networked manufacturing can be realized by implementing this new framework of STEP-NC manufacturing system.

Abstract: Nowadays, the research scope of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) vendors is to provide an interoperable controller to the industry, which has a capability to deal with more intelligent systems. G-code (ISO6983) as an information processing system has been used over the years, but by the development of systems during the generation of computer in industry the shortcomings of this information processing system becomes visible. STEP-NC as a new standard is being developed to remove barriers of ISO6983 such as lack of manufacturing interoperability between CAD/CAM/CAPP/CNC chains. In this paper, the lack of manufacturing interoperability between systems and solution in each one is reviewed, and then the case study has been developed to indicate power of STEP-NC in removing this barrier between different CNC’s.

Abstract: The Function Block Development Kit (FBDK) platform proposed for STEP-NC controller architecture . It can be used to create an open CNC architecture on ISO 14649 and Function Block (IEC 61499). This offers interoperability, portability, and adaptability. The proposed framework consists of three main modules: (1) STEP-NC Interface, (2) Simulator, and (3) Communication. The system will be implemented in CNC controller on actual milling machine. It will simplify the design of CNC machine controller with the architecture layers responsible for data processing, data storage, execution and feedback. This paper also discusses towards the requirements for global interoperable manufacturing for real-life machining system with the architecture layers responsible for data storage, data processing, and execution.

Abstract: A kind of novel open architecture CNC system is put forward based on the key hardware ‘‘PC+PMAC controller’’. The intelligent CNC system is divided into four layers, the field bus is used in it for openness and interoperability. The system software including several functional modules is developed based on COM for reuse and reconfiguration. The proposed open CNC system is based on STEP-NC data model, which aim to provide higher-level information for process control. The framework presented can be used as a reference for STEP-compliant CNC.