STEP-NC a new language for CNC machining and measurement

1
STEP-NC a new language for CNC machining and
measurement

• Martin Hardwick
• STEP Tools, Inc.
• hardwick_at_steptools.com
• 518 687-2848 x 306

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Why STEP-NC

• New information to make machining faster and more
  accurate
• Supply chain interoperability
• On machine feed-speed/tool-wear optimization
• On machine simulation and collision detection
• Closed loop machining and measurement

STEP-NC
STEP
CAD
CAM
CNC
Design
Plan
Machine
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The STEP-NC Concept

• New programming concepts
• Workingsteps define operations
• CAD tolerances define quality
• CAM tool paths define control

AB Tool Tilt
BC Table Tilt
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The STEP-NC Model
as workpiece, stock, fixture, or tool shape
geometry tolerance property
executable
workpiece
workplan, if/then, parallel,
S0?
machining_workingstep
machining_feature
geometry
pocket, plane, hole, region,
S0?
probe
machining_operation
plane milling, side milling, drilling,
technology
machine functions
L0?
path geometry cross section feed override
strategy
toolpath
ISO 13399 tool database
tool
cutter location trajectory, cutter contact
trajectory
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How to implement?

• Add STEP export to your CAD systems.
• Purchase tools to build STEP-NC data
• Convert APT or MCD data
• Integrate with CAD data
• Verify machining processes
• Purchase tools to make CNC operation more
  efficient
• Automated feed-speed optimization
• Automated measurement
• Automated tool path correction

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STEP-NC Explorer
CAD
CNC
The STEP-NC Explorer is a prototype system for
creating, managing and optimizing STEP NC data
STEP-NC Explorer
CAM
PDM

• Integrate data from multiple data sources
• Optimize machining on the control

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Impeller Roughing
8
Impeller - Finishing
9
Impeller Inspection
10
Tolerance Evaluation
11
Simulation
12
Cutting tools
13
Control Machining
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Business Benefits

• 15 faster machining
• TBD fewer mistakes
• TBD more data reuse
• TBD more accurate machining

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New since Sandvik

• Accelerated data reuse using toolpath orientation
• As-is, to-be and delta models for executables
• AP-203 ISO 13399 models for cutting tools
• More robust graphics
• More robust simulation
• More viewing options
• More export control options

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Goals for this meeting

• Show feed speed optimization
• Show closed loop machining
• Rough machine
• Finish machine one blade
• Measure using Faro arm
• Generate corrected tool paths
• Machine remaining blades
• Perform final quality check on CMM
• Estimate benefits