Development of a STEP-NC – Enabled Interoperable and Open Architecture CNC Controller

Abstract

AbstractMost of modern computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools (CNCMTs) use standard G-code (ISO 6983) – based controllers. However, during the generation of G-codes by Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, several machining information could be lost, which hinder the development of smart interoperable CNCMTs required for modern manufacturing environment. The STEP-NC (STEP compliant Numerical Control), which is a machine-tool control language governed by the ISO 14649 standard, was developed to overcome the G-code programming limitations. Over the last two decades, several research studies attempted to develop a new generation of CNCMTs controllers taking advantage of STEP-NC capabilities. Nevertheless, these controllers are customized for specific applications, complex to replicate, costly, and not yet accepted in the manufacturing industry. In this paper, an easy to replicate, noninvasive, and low-cost interpreted open architecture STEP-NC controller is developed. This controller uses a Single Board Computer which can be directly connected to a commercial lathe. The controller software is developed based on C++ and can interpret a ISO14649 STEP-NC file, generate a toolpath, simulate the toolpath, and communicate with the CNCMT. The developed STEP-NC controller was successfully tested by simulating the toolpath during the machining of a test part available in the ISO standard. KeywordsSTEP-NCOpen architecture controllerCNC machine toolsMachining