Automatic cutter selection based on product description and machining knowledge

Abstract

This paper tries to provide a methodology for a total machining system which automatically processes cutting order planning, cutter selection and generation of cutting data including generation of the cutter path based on the product model. Such an automatic machining operation planning system is presented by deriving machining features from the product description. A milling data generation system is shown as an example of automatic operation planing by milling feature derivation. In this derivation process, machining knowledge about cutters and know-how rules are used effectively. Using cutters from rough cutting to finish cutting, NC cutter paths are determined based on the milling features.