STEP-NC a new language for CNC machining and measurement Martin Hardwick STEP Tools, Inc. hardwick@steptools.com 518 687-2848 x 306
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
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
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
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
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
Impeller Roughing
Impeller - Finishing
Impeller Inspection
Tolerance Evaluation
Simulation
Cutting tools
Control Machining
Business Benefits 15% faster machining TBD% fewer mistakes TBD% more data reuse TBD% more accurate machining
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
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