A novel command generation paradigm for production machine systems

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a new command generation technique titled VEPRO for computer controlled production machinery. In this method, the tool trajectory is described by a high-level scripting language that enables parametric representations of complex work-piece geometries. The interpreted script is then employed to generate the interpolation data required to compute a tool trajectory that is subjected to a number of kinematic constraints. A real-time interpolator is employed to provide the position commands required by each motion controller in a synchronous fashion. As a proof of concept, the proposed method is emulated on a PC using Python scripting language. The performance of the paradigm is rigorously assessed via two test cases involving different manufacturing techniques (e.g. pocket milling and 3D printing). Through the experimental results, the paper illustrates that the technique, which lends itself for real-time hardware implementation, exhibits satisfactory performance for all intensive purposes and that the method is technically feasible for a wide spectrum of manufacturing applications and systems.