1. STEP-NC a new language for CNC machining and measurement
Martin Hardwick
STEP Tools, Inc.
x 306

2. 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
CAD
STEP
CAM
STEP-NC
CNC
Design
Plan
Machine

3. The STEP-NC Concept New programming concepts
Workingsteps define operations
CAD tolerances define quality
CAM tool paths define control
STEP-NC AP-238
AB Tool Tilt
BC Table Tilt

4. The STEP-NC Model geometry tolerance property as workpiece,
stock, fixture,
or tool shape
executable
workpiece
workplan, if/then, parallel, …
S[0:?]
machining_feature
machining_workingstep
geometry
pocket, plane, hole, region,
S[0:?]
probe
machining_operation
plane milling, side milling, drilling,
technology
machine functions
L[0:?]
path geometry
cross section
feed override
toolpath
strategy
ISO 13399
tool database
tool
cutter location trajectory,
cutter contact trajectory

5. 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

6. STEP-NC Explorer CAD CNC CAM PDM
“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

7. Impeller Roughing

8. Impeller - Finishing

9. Impeller Inspection

10. Tolerance Evaluation

11. Simulation

12. Cutting tools

13. Control Machining

14. Business Benefits 15% faster machining TBD% fewer mistakes
TBD% more data reuse
TBD% more accurate machining

15. New since Sandvik Accelerated data reuse using toolpath orientation
As-is, to-be and delta models for executables
AP-203 & ISO models for cutting tools
More robust graphics
More robust simulation
More viewing options
More export control options

16. 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