Generation of milling data in a virtual manufacturing framework

Abstract

The framework and method of implementation for the automatic generation of optimized milling data with guaranteed accuracy are discussed in this paper. By analyzing the milling data generation process, the transformation of the product description has become transparent. Namely, milling data is generated based on machining features which implicitly include a product description at the product design stage using design features. A trial milling data generation system was implemented, which can directly receive the product model with design features, convert it automatically into the required description of machining features, and produce machining data based on machining features. This trial showed that the process of milling data generation based on product description data is the same as doing the milling on the computer. Then the structure of a virtual milling system mechanism is proposed by the conceptual expansion of the implemented milling data generation system. This proposed system would generate milling data of high quality, using the product model and the milling machine model.