Method for automatically identifying CAM software features

Abstract

The invention discloses a CAM software feature automatic identification method, which comprises the following steps of: S1, opening new-generation turning and milling CADCAM software, and carrying out processing drawing file preparation work; s2, according to the type of the drawing file, a proper process template is selected and imported; s3, clicking the screen to the right at the blank part of the picture page by a mouse, and performing automatic feature identification; the automatic feature identification comprises the following steps: (1) checking whether a workpiece exists or not; (2) starting a blank task by a background to establish a blank; (3) establishing a turning section line; (4) turning section line data is converted into a data structure required by a feature recognition algorithm; (5) executing feature identification; (6) obtaining the identified outer diameter / inner diameter / end face contour; (7) setting a contour according to the process of the process list; (8) executing full-process CAM calculation; and (9) obtaining a processing path. An operator can perform software programming operation more simply; and the PC software programming threshold is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer technology and is a method for automatic feature identification in CAM software. Background Technology

[0002] Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software serves as the crucial link between product design and CNC machining. The development and innovation of CAM software have spurred the rapid growth of the manufacturing industry, not only improving machining efficiency and reducing costs, but also enhancing product quality and machining safety by verifying toolpaths before machining through simulation software, thus reducing the possibility of collisions and errors. However, most operations require a certain level of programming knowledge, and some parameters are difficult to understand, keeping many CNC machining personnel outside the realm of CAM software.

[0003] The core task of CAM software is to convert CAD models into executable machine tool instructions (such as G-code). This involves not only code conversion but also path optimization, error detection and correction, and adaptation to different machine tool requirements, which is crucial for ensuring machining accuracy and improving production efficiency. However, traditional CAM programming heavily relies on engineers manually identifying machining features (such as holes, slots, and cavities), selecting toolpaths, and process parameters, leading to low efficiency, poor consistency, and a high risk of errors. Especially for complex parts, programming time can account for more than 30% of the production cycle. In the traditional CAM programming process, feature identification is entirely dependent on manual interaction. Users must manually select geometric elements such as points, lines, and surfaces on the CAD model to define machining features (such as holes, slots, and contours). Tool selection, cutting parameters (speed / feed), and path planning (roughing and finishing sequence) all require engineers to manually configure based on experience. Furthermore, the complexity of the operation requires operators to have certain experience and skills to handle complex machining operations and parameter adjustments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for automatic feature identification in CAM software, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for automatic feature identification in CAM software, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Open the new generation milling and turning CAD / CAM software and prepare the machining drawings; Step S2: Select and import the appropriate process template according to the drawing type; Step S3: Right-click on the screen in a blank area of ​​the page to perform automatic feature recognition; The automatic feature identification includes the following steps: (1) checking if there is a workpiece; (2) setting up a blank in the background; (3) establishing the turning section line; (4) converting the turning section line data into the data structure required by the feature identification algorithm; (5) performing feature identification; (6) obtaining the identified outer diameter / inner diameter / end face contour; (7) setting the contour according to the process list; (8) performing full process CAM calculation; (9) obtaining the machining path.

[0006] Ideally, it also includes: Step S4: Select a suitable post-processor from the post-processor library according to the machine tool type, and then directly output the program NC file to complete the CAM software automatic turning programming.

[0007] Optimally, step S1 specifically includes: Importing a 3D drawing into the new generation of milling and turning CAD / CAM software will automatically align the coordinate system with the center position of the end face after the 3D drawing is opened.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S1, when the processing drawing file does not have a three-dimensional drawing, a closed two-dimensional drawing file is drawn as a substitute.

[0009] Further, step (2) includes the following steps: (21) opening the blank task window and displaying it to the user; (22) when opening the blank task window, the blank size can be automatically set with reference to the workpiece, so after opening the blank task, the task can be executed directly to create a blank that conforms to the workpiece size.

[0010] Furthermore, step (3) includes the following steps: (31) Using the cross-section line as input data, the intelligent feature recognition of the next step is used to find the corresponding turning feature based on the cross-section line; (32) Establishing the cross-section line process: directly applying the original instruction to establish the cross-section line instruction; the cross-section line establishment instruction does not support the identification of non-solid cross-section lines, first determine whether it is a 3D contour workpiece, and only when it is 3D will the cross-section line identification be performed; the cross-section line establishment function will establish according to the selected model, first clear all the selected objects in the software, and then add new selected workpieces to ensure that the cross-section line establishment process is normal.

[0011] Furthermore, step (4) includes the following steps: (41) Obtain all cross-sections through the cross-section list control; (42) Obtain the last cross-section in the list; (43) Merge the cross-sections into multiple topological segments; (44) Since the identification of the measured features may be incorrect in the identification of non-closed segments, the merged segments are first checked to be closed contours.

[0012] In step S4, the spatial relationships between workpiece features are further distinguished, features with the same attribute are linked together, feature combinations are optimized, and the accuracy of drawing features is determined. Path simulation and process verification are performed on the identified feature models to verify whether the features match the process.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the method of automatic feature identification in CAM software simplifies the software programming process, making it easier for operators to perform software programming operations; it lowers the threshold for PC software programming, allowing even those without programming experience to easily get started; and it intelligently identifies feature line segments without requiring extensive knowledge of software feature selection rules and action procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0016] The present invention provides a method for automatic feature identification in CAM software, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: Step S1: Open the new generation milling and turning CAD / CAM software and prepare the machining drawings; Step S1 is as follows: Importing a 3D drawing into the Syntec CADCAM software (i.e., Syntec CADCAM software) will allow the coordinate system to be set by searching the cylindrical surface of the workpiece to determine the Z-axis position in the machining coordinate system. Then, the shorter X-axis side will be selected as the Z0 position of the workpiece coordinate system, thus completing the workpiece coordinate system setting operation. If there is no 3D drawing in the machining file, a closed 2D drawing will be used as a substitute.

[0017] Step S2: Based on the drawing type, select and import the appropriate preset process templates in the system (the process templates are a database of many process templates provided to the operator based on different materials, different tools, and different feed depths of cut. The operator can select the appropriate process template according to their processing needs). Step S3: Right-click on a blank area of ​​the page, and click the 'Automatic Feature Recognition' option when it appears; the specific steps are as follows: (1) Check if there are any workpieces: If there are no workpieces, prompt the user to import the workpieces first; (2) Background: Start the blank task to create a blank; (21) Open the blank task window and display it to the user; (22) Optimize the project: When the blank task and window are opened, the blank size can be automatically set with reference to the workpiece. Therefore, after the blank task is opened, the task can be executed directly to create a blank that meets the workpiece size. (3) Establish turning section line: (31) The section line in this step will be used as input data to provide the intelligent feature recognition of the next step to find the corresponding turning feature based on the section line; (32) Section line establishment process: directly apply the original instruction to establish section line instruction; the section line establishment instruction does not support the identification of non-solid section lines, so first determine whether it is a 3D contour workpiece, and only if it is 3D will the section line identification be performed; the section line establishment function will establish according to the selected model, so first clear all the selected objects in the software, and then add new selected workpieces to ensure that the section line establishment process is normal; (4) Convert the turning section line data into the data structure required by the feature recognition algorithm: (41) Obtain all section lines through the section line list control; (42) Obtain the last section line in the list (the latest section line); (43) Merge the section lines into multiple topological line segments; (44) Since the actual feature recognition may be wrong in the recognition of non-closed line segments, first check that the merged line segments are closed contours; (5) Perform feature identification: (51) Call the previously generated cross-section line topology segment input cross-section line for feature identification: the external interface for cross-section line identification, the function of automatically identifying feature lines based on the existing input topology entity, the process is described below; call the 2D contour method to convert the input entity into a multi-segment topology connection line; perform cross-section line contour identification; after the contour line is identified, the method can be called again according to the desired external / internal turning contour; (52) Obtain the outer diameter contour: you can input the parameter: if this parameter is set to true, the extracted contour will extend to the end face lines on both sides; (53) Obtain the inner diameter contour with the same effect as the outer diameter; (54) establish a new polymorph method, directly open the API that can input multi-segment topology connection lines for feature identification; (6) Obtain the identified outer diameter / inner diameter / end face contour: (61) Obtain the outer diameter machining feature: Apply the native function to obtain the outer diameter contour; Set feature restrictions: The end face feature is processed by the end face process, and the end face is not machined when turning the outer diameter; (62) Obtain the inner diameter machining feature: Use the inner diameter contour method provided by HMAPI; The function of obtaining the outer diameter / inner diameter contour is also used to extract the turning blank line. The rationality of the use of the inner diameter contour is discussed below. Therefore, an additional process is added to check whether the contour is entirely on the z-axis. When the contour is used for the inner diameter turning machining feature, it will be checked whether the contour is entirely on the z-axis; (63) Obtain the end face feature: Obtain the end face line. Since the line segment arrangement direction of the outer diameter contour identification is from Z- to Z+, the end face contour is the largest in the Z position (the last item in the list). Use this contour to continue to judge whether it can be used as the end face feature; If the contour line is parallel to the X-axis, then return this contour as the end face feature; (7) Set the profile according to the process list: for roughing / finishing processes, set the outer diameter or inner diameter profile according to the machining surface parameters; for end face processes, set the end face profile. (8) Perform full-process CAM calculations; (9) Using existing functional methods, perform full process calculations to obtain the processing path.

[0018] The above-mentioned method for automatic feature identification in CAM software preferably includes the following steps: Step S4: Based on the machine tool type, select the post-processor for the composite machine tool from the Syntec standard post-processor library, and then directly output the program NC file to complete the CAM software automatic programming for turning.

[0019] In step S4, the spatial relationships between workpiece features are further distinguished, features with the same attribute are linked together, feature combinations are optimized, and the accuracy of drawing features is determined. Path simulation and process verification are performed on the identified feature models to verify whether the features match the process.

[0020] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatic feature identification in CAM software, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step S1: Open the new generation milling and turning CAD / CAM software and prepare the machining drawings; Step S2: Select and import the appropriate process template according to the drawing type; Step S3: Right-click on the screen in a blank area of ​​the page to perform automatic feature recognition; The automatic feature identification includes the following steps: (1) checking if there is a workpiece; (2) setting up a blank in the background; (3) establishing the turning section line; (4) converting the turning section line data into the data structure required by the feature identification algorithm; (5) performing feature identification; (6) obtaining the identified outer diameter / inner diameter / end face contour; (7) setting the contour according to the process list; (8) performing full process CAM calculation; (9) obtaining the machining path.

2. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: Step S4: Select a suitable post-processor from the post-processor library according to the machine tool type, and then directly output the program NC file to complete the CAM software automatic turning programming.

3. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 is as follows: Importing a 3D drawing into the new generation of milling and turning CAD / CAM software will automatically align the coordinate system with the center position of the end face after the 3D drawing is opened.

4. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1, when the processing drawing file does not have a three-dimensional drawing, a closed two-dimensional drawing file is drawn as a substitute.

5. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step (2) includes the following steps: (21) Open the blank task window and display it to the user; (22) When the blank task window is opened, the blank size can be automatically set with reference to the workpiece. Therefore, after the blank task is opened, the task can be executed directly to create a blank that conforms to the workpiece size.

6. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, Step (3) includes the following steps: (31) Using the cross-section line as input data, the intelligent feature recognition of the next step is used to find the corresponding turning feature based on the cross-section line; (32) Establishing the cross-section line process: directly apply the original instruction to establish the cross-section line instruction; the cross-section line instruction does not support the identification of non-solid cross-section lines, first determine whether it is a 3D contour workpiece, and only when it is 3D will the cross-section line identification be performed; the cross-section line establishment function will establish according to the selected model, first clear all the selected objects in the software, and then add new selected workpieces to ensure that the cross-section line establishment process is normal.

7. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step (4) includes the following steps: (41) Obtain all cross-sections through the cross-section list control; (42) Obtain the last cross-section in the list; (43) Merge the cross-sections into multiple topological segments; (44) Due to the actual feature identification, the identification of non-closed segments may be incorrect, so first check that the merged segments are closed contours.

8. The method for automatic feature identification in CAM software according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the spatial relationships between workpiece features are further distinguished, features with the same attribute are linked together, feature combinations are optimized, and the accuracy of drawing features is determined. Path simulation and process verification are performed on the identified feature models to verify whether the features match the process.

Images