A meta-model of computer numerical controlled part programming languages

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, the development of computer numerical controlled machines has seen a plethora of part programming languages being developed. The large majority of these languages are based on the ISO 6983 standard which is commonly known as G&M codes, but other languages from machine tool suppliers are also used for programming machine tools. These programming languages have provided major barriers for the interoperability of such information between computer numerical controlled machines and also from computer numerical controlled machines to computer-aided systems. Thus, the process knowledge in existing part programs cannot be recycled and reused easily, due to an inability to interpret these forms of data. In this article, a new meta-model of computer numerical controlled part programming languages has been proposed. The meta-model aims to abstract the characteristics of computer numerical controlled machine activities and interpret/represent process information within computer numerical controlled part programs written in different languages or dialects. Realising the translation between the meta-model and different part programming languages, it is possible to capture the shopfloor knowledge from computer numerical controlled machines without the need to develop individual interpreting interfaces for each programming language. The valuable process knowledge can thus be captured from the part programs and represented in a neutral presentation to facilitate the knowledge accumulation and management, which is vital for manufacturing companies to gain competitive advantages in the globalised market.