Extraction of machining features for CAD/CAM integration

Feature-based CAD/CAM integration is a technology used to realise automatic transmission and conversion of component information among CAD, CAPP and CAM applications. A feature is the medium of information transmission in the integration. Since a process planning downstream application has a different viewpoint from the component designer, feature conversion or feature extraction methodology is used to create a machining feature model based on the design feature model. One of the major difficulties in generating machining features is the preservation of feature integrity because of feature interactivity. The most current research, therefore, focuses on the planar-type form feature conversion. This paper discusses the problem of feature interactivity and proposes a feature-based approach to generating hole-series machining features from a design feature model. Hole-series features are important machining features for gearbox components used in machine tools. These kinds of features cannot be obtained directly from a design feature database. A constraint-based method is developed in this paper to define a hole-series feature model based on the geometric and topological information extracted from the design database. In addition, a STEP file is generated to interface the converted machining feature model with the downstream CAPP application. The implemented feature conversion system is verified by considering its application to some component examples and the developed prototype CAPP system. This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the issue number.     

Generating Alternative Interpretations of Machining Features

One of the major difficulties in extracting machining features is the lack of a systematic methodology to generate alternative ways of manufacturing a machined part. Most of the early research in feature extraction and process planning has not considered this aspect, and has focused on the generation of a single interpretation. In this paper, we propose a feature-based approach to generating alternative interpretations of machining features from a feature-based design model. The proposed approach simplifies the generation of alternative machining feature models by using information on feature which is captured and maintained during feature-based model-ling and machining feature extraction. A set of machining features is incrementally extracted during the feature-based design process of a machined part. A feature conversion process converts each design feature into a machining feature or a set of machining features by using information on the geometry and the feature. Using reorientation, reduction, and/or splitting operations, alternative models are generated from the sets of extracted machining features. During the execution of each operation, unpromising models are pruned by using criteria such as minimising the number of accessibility directions. The machining features and their precedence relationships are represented in a STEP-based machining feature graph for the purpose of data exchange.     

A flexible process information reuse method for similar machining feature

Dynamically changing machining conditions and uncertain manufacturing resource availability are forcing manufacturing enterprises to search advanced process planning in order to increase productivity and ensure product quality. As growing quantities of the three-dimensional process models are gradually applied, reusing the embedded manufacturing information in process models with less time and lower cost attracts a lot of attention. In this paper, a new flexible method is presented to reuse the existing process information based on retrieval of the similar machining feature. First, the three-level organization model is introduced to represent the process information; the machining feature which is seen as the parent layer carries the corresponding manufacturing information. To ensure accurately that the process information are obtained, the associated mechanism between the machining feature and process information is created. Second, an eight-node representation scheme is designed to represent the similar machining feature having same variations in topology and geometry. For accelerating similar feature retrieval, the extension-attributed adjacency graph and the topological relationship of the machining feature faces are built. Finally, some aircraft structural parts are utilized in the developed prototype module to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method can be used as the basis for accumulation of the process information; it can promote the development and application of the intelligent process planning.     

Rule-based process planning by grouping features

A macro-level CAPP system is proposed to plan the complicated mechanical prismatic parts efficiently. The system creates the efficient machining sequence of the features in a part by analyzing the feature information. Because the planning with the individual features is very complicated, feature groups are formed for effective planning using the nested relations of the features of a part, and special feature groups are determined for sequencing. The process plan is generated based on the sequences of the feature groups and features. When multiple machines are required, efficient machine assignment is performed. A series of heuristic rules are developed to accomplish it.     

Extraction/conversion of geometric dimensions and tolerances for machining features

It is important for a feature-based system to preserve feature integrity during feature operation, especially when feature interaction occurs. The paper presents a feature conversion approach to convert design features used in a design model into machining features for the downstream applications. This process includes both form features (geometric information) and non-geometric features conversion. Most researchers have concentrated on geometric information extraction and conversion without tackling the important problem of non-geometric feature information. This paper focuses on the extraction and conversion of feature geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T) for downstream machining application.The main barrier to the integration of a feature-based CAD/CAPP/CAM system – feature interaction – is discussed in this paper, which alters design features in their geometries and non-geometric information. How to identify and validate these feature dimensions and tolerances is one of the key issues in feature interaction conversion. The development of robust methodologies for preserving feature integrity for use in process planning application is the main thrust of the work reported in this paper.     

A novel CNC system for turning operations based on a high-level data model

The research work documented in this paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, a generic infrastructure for implementing STEP-NC data models is proposed. The infrastructure illustrates a bidirectional data flow of three different data forms: STEP-NC data, machine specific language, and low-level machine actuation signals. The proposed method utilizes the concepts of modularity and database to harmonize and group machining processes and to manage machining activities. The second part reports on the development of a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe that interprets STEP-NC data into low-level machining instructions. This process was achieved through the development of a software package that can process STEP-NC data and provide an interface with a retrofitted CNC lathe. Tool path information is generated and executed “on-fly” with feedback handled. This new CNC system illustrates the benefits of a novel generation of CNC machine tools that have the capability of being driven by a high-level data model.     

An intelligent modeling system to improve the machining process quality in CNC machine tools using adaptive fuzzy Petri nets

The paper first presents an AND/OR nets approach for planning of a computer numerical control (CNC) machining operation and then describes how an adaptive fuzzy Petri nets (AFPNs) can be used to model and control all activities and events within CNC machine tools. It also demonstrates how product quality specification such as surface roughness and machining process quality can be controlled by utilizing AFPNs. The paper presents an intelligent control architecture based on AFPNs with learning capability for modeling a CNC machining operation and control of machining process quality. In this paper it will be shown that several ideas and approaches proposed in the field of robotic assembly are applicable to the planning procedure modeling with minor modifications. Graph theories, Petri nets, and fuzzy logic are powerful tools which are employed in this research to model different feasible states for performing a process and to obtain the best process performance path using exertion of the process designer’s criteria.     

自由曲面五轴加工刀具轨迹规划技术的研究进展

利用五坐标设备进行自由曲面的数控加工是提高加工质量和加工效率的有效途径,自由曲面形状和五坐标机床运动的复杂性导致其刀具轨迹规划技术十分困难。针对自由曲面五坐标端铣加工、侧铣加工以及碰撞干涉分析中的关键技术,综述了近年来自由曲面五坐标数控加工领域刀具轨迹规划技术的研究进展和现状。结合自由曲面数控加工的工程实用性要求,分析了当前研究中存在的不足,指出目前的研究成果在通用性、稳定性和有效性方面尚不能完全满足工程应用,认为自由曲面五坐标数控加工刀具轨迹规划技术的研究应从三维的角度出发,在更为广域的刀具影响空间研究刀具同自由曲面之间的几何啮合关系,同时需要考虑机床的运动学和动力学特性以实现五坐标机床的高速和高效运行。     

A smart machine supervisory system framework

Machine tools and machining systems have gone through significant improvements in the past several decades. Recent advance in information technology made it possible to collect and analyze a large amount of data in real time. This brings about the concept of a smart machine tool, enabled by process monitoring and control technologies, to produce the first and all subsequent parts correctly. This paper presents a system framework for a smart machine supervisory system. The supervisory system integrates individual technologies and makes overall intelligent decisions to improve machining performance. The communication mechanism of the supervisory system is discussed in detail. Its decision-making mechanism is illustrated through an example that integrates process planning, health maintenance, and tool condition monitoring.     

An intelligent process planning system for prismatic parts using STEP features

This paper presents an intelligent process planning system using STEP features (ST-FeatCAPP) for prismatic parts. The system maps a STEP AP224 XML data file, without using a complex feature recognition process, and produces the corresponding machining operations to generate the process plan and corresponding STEP-NC in XML format. It carries out several stages of process planning such as operations selection, tool selection, machining parameters determination, machine tools selection and setup planning. A hybrid approach of most recent techniques (neural networks, fuzzy logic and rule-based) of artificial intelligence is used as the inference engine of the developed system. An object-oriented approach is used in the definition and implementation of the system. An example part is tested and the corresponding process plan is presented to demonstrate and verify the proposed CAPP system. The paper thus suggests a new feature-based intelligent CAPP system for avoiding complex feature recognition and knowledge acquisition problems.     

飞机结构件加工特征定义方法研究

根据飞机结构件几何形状和加工工艺特点,对其加工特征进行了划分,并用分层式方法对特征几何拓扑进行描述;同时根据工艺规划和刀轨计算对特征信息的需求,提取加工特征的属性参数,并采用几何拓扑和属性参数相结合的方式来完整表达特征信息,从而满足飞机结构件数控编程过程中不同应用领域对特征信息的需求。     

基于STEP-NC的数控加工技术研究

STEP-NC是遵从STEP标准的新型数控机床编程接口.通过分析STEP-NC标准,对于以STEP-NC为基础的数控加工相关环节进行了系统的研究.对STEP-NC的文件结构进行了分析,并且通过UG软件二次开发的方法来生成STEP-NC文件.分析了基于STEP-NC的CNC控制器的三种结构模式,指出开放式数控系统结构.最后本文分析了STEP-NC标准对CNC系统发展的影响作用.     

Automatic recognition of machining features from a solid model using the 2D feature pattern

Feature recognition systems are now widely identified as a cornerstone for conceiving an automated process planning system. Various techniques have been reported in the literature, but a few of them acquired a status of generic methodology. A flexible and robust approach is demanded for recognising a wide variety of features, e.g., non-interacting, interacting circular and slanting features. This research aims to exploit the concept of the ray - firing technique, in which a 2D surface pattern for each feature is generated and information is extracted from these patterns to correlate it with the corresponding machining features. The system first defines a virtual surface and then probing rays are dropped from each point of this surface to the 2.5D features of the B-rep solid model. According to the length of rays between the bottom face of the 2.5D machining features and the virtual surface, 2D feature patterns are formed for each machining feature. Finally, features are recognised using an algorithm described in this article. Different types of examples have been considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

箱体零件工艺路线分层决策方法

箱体零件特征面多，加工方法多，工艺路线决策的规模大，决策算法复杂。文章将工艺路线决策过程分解成特征工艺决策、加工路线排序、工序决策、工步决策四个层次。决策过程中，将决策算法与零件的具体形状特征、加工方法相分离，简化了算法，提高了决策算法的实用性和灵活性。     

一种基于加工特征的数控工艺设计方法

将数控工艺的设计分成了两大模块,即加工特征级的智能工艺决策过程和加工方法级的派生式数控代码生成。对加工特征进行数控加工工步设计时,辅以加工特征数控工艺决策知识库、机床特征映射库和刀具特征映射库的智能支持,提高了工艺决策的准确性和智能化水平。同时以加工特征为单元,采用参数化编程技术实现数控程序的派生式生成,提高了数控程序设计效率和质量,并有利于数控程序设计的自动化、智能化、模块化。     

Mechanistic approach to predict real machining time for milling free-form geometries applying high feed rate

An accurate estimate of machining time is very important for predicting delivery time, manufacturing costs, and also to help production process planning. Most commercial CAM software systems estimate the machining time in milling operations simply by dividing the entire tool path length by the programmed feed rate. This time estimate differs drastically from the real process time because the feed rate is not always constant due to machine and computer numerical controlled (CNC) limitations. This study presents a practical mechanistic method for milling time estimation when machining free-form geometries. The method considers a variable called machine response time (MRT) which characterizes the real CNC machine’s capacity to move in high feed rates in free-form geometries. MRT is a global performance feature which can be obtained for any type of CNC machine configuration by carrying out a simple test. For validating the methodology, a workpiece was used to generate NC programs for five different types of CNC machines. A practical industrial case study was also carried out to validate the method. The results indicated that MRT, and consequently, the real machining time, depends on the CNC machine’s potential: furthermore, the greater MRT, the larger the difference between predicted milling time and real milling time. The proposed method achieved an error range from 0.3% to 12% of the real machining time, whereas the CAM estimation achieved from 211% to 1244% error. The MRT-based process is also suggested as an instrument for helping in machine tool benchmarking.     

A STEP AP 203–214-based machinable volume identifier for identifying the finish-cut machinable volumes from rough-machined parts

This paper presents a STEP AP203–214-based machinable volume identifier (MVI) to identify the finish-cut machinable volume in prismatic parts by deducting the rough-machined part from the final part. The MVI provides an intermediate link between rough and finish machining computer-aided process planning system for automatic generation of process plans while machining prismatic parts. To calculate the machinable volumes of manufacturing features, the MVI utilizes the output of the feature identifier which contains the information about the dimensional details, edge loops, edges, vertices, coordinate points, and location planes of the features. In this research, a total of 234 features have been considered; out of which, 32 are normal and 202 are tapered. To calculate the machinable volumes for these features, generalized methodologies are developed for 17 basic feature types, each having a varying number of specific features. Initially, the pattern strings are generated for the front and back face of the rough-machined feature and final feature. Then, MVI uses the predefined syntactic pattern strings stored in the strings database and checks with the generated strings of the feature to determine the shape of the machinable volume stored in the volumes database. After determining the shape, one relevant methodology or more (for features having combination of more than one taper) are selected from among the 17 “feature type” specific methodologies developed for finish-cut machinable volume identification. In this article, methodology is presented for one basic feature type which covers 14 features and explained through one case study. The final output from this module is stored as a text file with full dimensional details of machinable volumes for later use inside the machining planning module. The proposed MVI can be used in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Industries as an intermediate linker to achieve a robust manufacturing environment.     

基于STEP-NC的计算机数控关键技术研究

为解决数字制造系统中信息模型不统一、系统不兼容等问题，使设计到制造阶段的信息流更加通畅且可以双向流动，根据STEP-NC的发展及其数据模型的特点，研究了STEP-NC控制器的基本支撑技术。首先提出并分析了STEP-NC数据模型，介绍了在ST-Developer环境下将零件的加工程序转化为内部数据(C 对象)的方法以及从中提取信息的基本函数调用流程，然后将数控加工中的工艺信息分为3类并讨论了STEP-NC控制器的相应处理原则。在此基础上，进一步提出了单工步切削用量(铣削)的优选方法，最后讨论了将离散的工步序列细化为完整加工方案的基本方法。     

Study on symmetrical machining technology

In order to promote machining efficiency of large symmetrical freeform surfaces, a new concept of symmetrical machining is put forward. In addition, problems of collision among cutters or headstocks and machining residue in symmetrical machining are studied in this paper. Through an example of a twin-skeg ship model surface, the design principles of 4-axis symmetrical machine tool are proposed and tool path planning of symmetrical machining is investigated. Based on the above research work, a 4-axis symmetrical machine tool for a ship model surface has been developed. The machining efficiency of the symmetrical machine tool is 85% higher than that of traditional machine tool with a single cutter. Furthermore, the overall cost of the symmetrical machine tool is reduced by saving one set of servo drive system.     

Exact Tool Sizing for Feature Accessibility

This paper presents an algorithm for calculating the volume of a 2D-profile, accessible by a given diameter of milling cutter. The method is independent of the generation of cutter tool paths, and exploits facilities commonly found in kernel modellers. Exact results are obtained despite the simplicity of the procedure. As a proof of the concept, the algorithms have been implemented in the Heriot-Watt University feature recogniser as a pre-processor for a part programming system. The aim of these algorithms is to assist and optimise the selection of multiple tools for the machining of complex components. The methodology has applications in process planning research where it is currently common to assume that a single tool will machine each feature. Although cutter selection is a critical step in planning the manufacture of components, computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems rarely make any attempt to analyse the trade-offs involved. Perhaps this is because, traditionally, exact tool accessibility calculations have been viewed as a side effect of generating a cutter tool path. Consequently, accessibility calculations are not carried out explicitly but they appear implicitly in the results of a complex geometric algorithm (i.e. cutter path generation). Because this implicit checking of tool accessibility is carried out, downstream from the higher-level reasoning about set-up and sequencing, the results are generally available only after a detailed process plan has been generated.