Advanced programming of machine tools: interests of an open CNC controller within a STEP-NC environment
Résumé
NC programming still bases upon a heterogeneous and divided CAD/CAM/CNC data chain. Its performances are consequently limited. Tool paths online optimisation is hardly possible. In parallel, emerging new processes like incremental sheet forming or laser additive manufacturing widens the application area of CNC machines. Integrating these processes within intelligent design and manufacturing environments is a great scientific challenge. Meeting these requirements necessitates the use of STEP-NC programming approach (ISO 14649), which benefits from a large support from international industrials and academics. A major interest of STEP-NC is to transfer a large part of the decisions concerning the process implementation to the CNC controller. This paper introduces the advanced CNC programming platform developed at the IRCCyN laboratory, STEP-NC Platform for Advanced and Intelligent Manufacturing (SPAIM). An extension of SPAIM for machines equipped with open CNC controller is proposed as well. These research works are carried out within the FP7 European Project Fofdation.