Development of STEP-NC Based Manufacturability Evaluation System

Abstract

A method and prototype system have been developed to assess manufacturability of a machining job with a known machine tool. The data for describing the machining task confirms to STEP-NC data model, i.e. ISO 14649. A group of manufacturability indices have been suggested used in the system. They are called “Key Manufacturability Indicators” (KMIs). Examples of KMIs are workpiece clamping data, machine tool’s capability and cutting tool information. To assist the evaluation process, a machine tool data model is used. The prototype system is validated through an example.