Abstract:
Superior to G-code, STEP-NC is a new data model for computer numerical control (CNC). It provides rich information for CNC machine tools. This high-level information contains feature-based data. Unlike G-code that describes ,how-to-do,, STEP-NC models ,what-to-do, at the task level in terms of features and ,Workingsteps,. In the absence of a STEP-NC controller, there is a need for a system which can work with STEP-NC data and at the same time interface with the existing CNC machine tools. This paper describes such a system. This system acts like a ,front-end, for the current CNC controllers, giving these machine tools a ,Plug-and-Play, feature. The core of the system is the mapping mechanism which accepts STEP-NC data and translates it into the type of G-code that a specific controller can understand. The key to the mapping mechanism is the use of function block (IEC 61499) technology. This gives the system robustness and modularity.
