Intelligent CNC System Research Articles

Open Architecture of CNC System Based on STEP-NC Data Model

A kind of novel open architecture CNC system is put forward based on the key hardware ‘‘PC+PMAC controller’’. The intelligent CNC system is divided into four layers, the field bus is used in it for openness and interoperability. The system software including several functional modules is developed based on COM for reuse and reconfiguration. The proposed open CNC system is based on STEP-NC data model, which aim to provide higher-level information for process control. The framework presented can be used as a reference for STEP-compliant CNC.

Development of an Ontology-Based and STEP-Compliant Intelligent CNC System

STEP-NC (ISO 14649) is a newly developed and feature-based machine tool control language for CNC controller. In contrast with conventional G&M code (ISO 6983), this new data model could almost transmit all the designing and planning information for machining parts through CAD&CAPP&CAM to CNC. However, STEP-NC is feasible but not enough to support some intelligent actions such as self-planning, self-learning, decision-making, etc. A complete and well-structured knowledge base is urgently needed to be established to support CNC intelligence. The main work of this paper is focused on two fields: i) An extraction, presentation and utilization mechanism for ontology-based machining knowledge is implemented. ii) A novel framework for STEP-Compliant and knowledge-base supported intelligent CNC controller is proposed.

Intelligent Control of CNC System Based on STEP-NC

In this paper, Data model used in intelligent CNC system based on STEP-NC is presented. A multi-agent architecture of the intelligent CNC system based on STEP-NC is proposed. The architecture consists of fourteen functional agents, such as interpreter agent, process planning agent, simulation agent, tool path planning agent, monitoring agent, expert system agent, etc. Some key technologies to implement the intelligent control including simulation, online inspection and expert system are discussed detailed. As a result, the architecture and key technologies proposed in this paper will aid the development work of the intelligent STEP-NC system.

A Framework of New Generation Intelligent CNC System

In this paper, we present a conceptual framework for designing and implementing an intelligent CNC system. The architecture and functional modules are derived from requirement analysis, and they are designed to have a thinking capability before, during, and after the execution of the manufacturing task, so that the assigned task can be effectively executed while dealing with unexpected changes occurring on the shop floor. Also, the data model for supporting the architecture is addressed based on the STEP-NC data model or ISO 14649. The framework presented can be used as a paradigm for new generation intelligent STEP-compliant CNC.

The study of configuration-style CNC system based on CANBUS

Nowadays, numeric control systems or CNC systems are still mainly offered by specific manufacturers, which cannot meet the developing demand of modern technology toward openness, networking, and intelligence. With the decrease of chip cost, the improvement of its performance and the development of fieldbus technology, it becomes easier to develop an open, configurable and intelligent CNC system. In this paper, a new configuration-style CNC system architecture based on CANBUS is presented, including the building of its UML model, the design of communication protocol, the realization of system configures, and the design of software and hardware structures. Finally, an experiment based on configuration-style methods is presented.

A Framework for an Intelligent CNC and Data Model

In this paper, we present a conceptual framework for designing and implementing an intelligent CNC system. The architecture and functional modules are derived from requirement analysis, and they are designed to have a thinking capability before, during, and after the execution of the manufacturing task, so that the assigned task can be effectively executed while dealing with unexpected changes occurring on the shop floor. Also, the data model for supporting the architecture is addressed based on the STEP-NC data model or ISO 14649. Specifications of databases and the operational scenario together with implementation issues are provided. The framework presented can be used as a paradigm for STEP-compliant CNC.

Intelligent Machine Tools in a Distributed Network Manufacturing Mode Environment

Manufacturing enterprises are facing serious challenges and pressures from the growing globalisation of the economy and the market as well as from the rapid developments of science and technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially, have to reform their traditional manufacturing methods by using advanced technologies, particularly by applying information technology (IT) to succeed in the increasingly intense competition for markets. Thus, it is of great importance for them to accept the concept of agile manufacturing. For this purpose, the concept of distributed network manufacturing mode (DNMM) is outlined in this paper. In DNMM, research is concentrated on enhancing the intelligence of conventional numerical control (NC) machine tools and their ability to communicate and coordinate with the outside world. The experimental results of the distributed network manufacturing prototype system (DNMPS) show that the concept of the DNMM is correct and feasible. Moreover, the intelligent CNC system developed enhances the ability of the conventional NC milling machine to improve machining efficiency and quality, and protect the cutting tool. The capability for communicating and collaborating are improved for system integration, resource-sharing and cooperation.

Development of an Open Parallek Intelligent CNC Milling System. Part 2. Milling Experiment

In this paper, a fuzzy control strategy is developed in the intelligent controller module of an open parallel intelligem CNC milling system and some experiments with the fuzzy control strategy are carried out. The results of the intelligent milling experiments with fuzzy control strategy show that the open parallel intelligent CNC system has high robustness and global stability, and a higher machining efficiency.