Abstract:
A STEP-compliant CNC machine tool that demonstrated a G-code free machining scenario is presented. The aim of this research is to showcase the advantages of, and evaluate, STEP-NC-a new NC data model by implementing it in a legacy CNC system. The work consists of two parts: retrofitting an existing CNC machine and the development of a STEP-compliant NC Converter called STEPcNC. The CompuCam's motion control system is used for retrofitting the machine. which is programmable using its own motion control language-6K Motion Control language and capable of interfacing with other CAPP CAM programs through languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C + + and Delphi. STEPcNC can understand and process STEP-NC codes, and interface with the CNC controller through a Human Machine Interface, It makes use of STEP-NC information such as "Workplan", "Workingstep", machining strategy, machining features and cutting tools that is present in a STEP-NC file. Hence. the system is truly feature-based. The Application Interpreted Model of STEP-NC has been used. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.