Architecture Design for Automatic Step-NC Code Generation Within Distributed Integrated Manufacturing Environment

Abstract

Most of the companies still use the old or traditional practice for generating the NC code for machining as opposed to automated NC code generation, because they either lack the CAD/CAM technology or suffer from a gap between CAD/CAM (or CAM) and CNC machining. That leads to a missing link between the design department and the manufacturing department (or shop floor). The primary objective of this work is to create an integrated manufacturing environment in which a part would be designed using a standard available CAD system. The design is saved in a CAD file has standard format (STEP, ISO 10303). Feature extraction system is developed and used to extract out machining or manufacturing features. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and knowledge-based systems are developed based on 'Agent Technology'. The agents are programmed to accomplish various activities such as selecting machine types, cutting tools and cutting parameters to machine specific geometries or features. Then, feature data is saved in a in a STEP-NC (ISO14649) file, which can be transmitted between various locations and CAX systems. They are used for information retrieval, data exchange, and decision-making support. So, product data and information is available to shop floor and machine tool in addition to CAD/CAM systems.