The development of a new STEP-NC code generator (GEN-MILL)

Abstract

The early NC machines and the current CNC utilise the same standard programming of G&M codes formalised as the ISO 6893 standard to machine parts with complex shape in a precise manner. However, the G&M code contains implicit technical information and does not meet the requirements of modern NC technology as it uses low level codes to describe tool movements and instructions. Literature shows that the current CNC is difficult to manage, modify and verify NC data easily. ISO 14649 referred to as STEP-NC is the result of an international effort to achieve full interoperability and bi-directional information exchange throughout the manufacturing network. STEP-NC has been designed in such a way that information remains in its context and without reducing to primitive instructions such as G&M code. This research will explore ISO 6983 (G&M code) together with ISO 14649 (STEP-NC) and utilise STEP-NC in overcoming the problems of G&M code and at the same time take advantage of current advances in computing and controllers. A new STEP-NC code generator (GEN-MILL) which focuses on the milling process that is able to generate STEP-NC codes based on Example 1 in ISO 14649 Part 11 was developed. The advantages of the proposed STEP-NC code generator (GEN-MILL) program was verified and evaluated by comparing the output generated by the software with ISO 14649 Physical File for Example 1. The STEP-NC code generator (GEN-MILL) can understand and generate STEP-NC codes through a STEP-NC compliant interface and will give industries and academicians more in-depth understanding and confidence to switch from G&M code to STEP-NC.

Development of a feature-based open soft-CNC system

“…In this study, the manufacturing of ISO 14649 example 1 part and 13 holes drill was carried out by the developed system. The experiment began with the generation of STEP part 21 file by using STEP Tools on line platform for example 1 and GEN-Mill [27] for 13 drill holes. That was followed by the STEP-NC file upload into the developed system.…”

New Interpretation Module for Open Architecture Control Based CNC Systems

“…Computer Numerical Control technology is proved to be economical in mass, batch and many other single item production cases. The most important factors which contribute towards the economic feasibility of CNC technology are; high productivity rates, uniformity of the product, reduced component rejection, reduced tooling costs, less operator involvement and easily machining of complex shapes [6]. In the progression towards more modern systems, flexible manufacturing became dominant among the 1970's and 1980's to enable low batch production of a wide range of parts.…”

A web-based CAD/CAPP/CAM system compliant with the STEP-NC standard to manufacture parts with general surfaces

“…In addition, the G-code does not include significant manufacturing information such as machining features, machining processes, and cutting tools. Therefore, the use of G-code makes it difficult or impossible to share machining information among different areas of the company [4,5].…”