Developing an integrated STEP-compliant CNC prototype

Abstract

STEP-compliant CNC is the next-generation CNC controller, taking the STEP-NC data model as the interface scheme between CAM and CNC and carrying out various intelligent functions. At the moment, efforts are being made worldwide to establish an international standard for the new interface scheme (so-called STEP-NC), formalized as ISO 14649. In the near future, the new interface scheme will be completed and announced as the international standard. Upon completion, the standard will replace the conventional scheme based on ISO 6983, so-called M&G codes. Further, the new interface scheme will impact the CAD-CAM-CNC process chain and the advancement of the CNC controller. This paper develops an integrated STEP-compliant CNC system (or STEP-CNC) based on the new interface scheme. The system is composed of five modules: (1) Shop Floor Programming System (PosSFP), (2) Tool Path Generator (PosTPG), (3) Tool Path Viewer (PosTPV), (4) Man Machine Interface (PosMMI), and (5) CNC Kernel (PosCNC). The developed system is a prototype but very comprehensive, including all the modules required for realizing "art-to-part" through the new CAD-CAM-CNC chain. Architecture and functional details are presented together with a realistic demonstration.