A board cutting control system based on plug-in implementation and a processing method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on plug-in implementation's plate cutting control system and processing method, it is related to numerical control cutting technical field.The system of the present application includes: parameter acquisition unit, processing area division unit, path planning unit, code generation unit, the present application is processed by priority area affected by fixture, and reasonably set cutting allowance and cutting starting point and graphic cutting sequence, avoid the displacement problem that part is not processed after cutting off, effectively solve the plate in cutting fixed force is not enough displacement problem and effectively shorten programming time, such intelligent anti-cutting, significantly improve processing precision and yield, especially suitable for complex graphics or under the automation plate cutting processing of multiple fixture scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of CNC sheet metal processing technology, specifically to a sheet metal cutting control system and processing method based on plug-in implementation. Background Technology

[0002] In the production processes of custom furniture and solid wood processing, planar cutting of boards is a core procedure. In some processing steps, clamps are required to hold and fix the boards in place to prevent them from shifting during cutting, which could lead to insufficient processing accuracy, scrapped workpieces, and waste in processing restricted areas.

[0003] Existing technologies suffer from two core problems that cannot be solved automatically: 1. Low board utilization rate and serious waste loss. The clamping area of ​​the fixture will form a processing no-go zone where the cutting tool cannot enter. The board material in this area cannot be cut and can only be discarded as waste. Especially for high-value solid wood boards and imported decorative panels, this part of the loss directly drives up the production material cost. The accumulated waste in long-term production is extremely considerable.

[0004] 2. The programming process is cumbersome, inefficient, and has a high barrier to entry. In the existing process, in order to avoid fixture interference, operators need to manually complete four core programming tasks: first, manually select and arrange the cutting sequence of all machining graphics; second, edit the tool avoidance path in the fixture area separately; third, select the anti-breakage tool entry point for the selected non-fixture area machining graphics; and fourth, edit the tail cutting allowance machining program for the non-fixture edge separately. The whole process requires a high level of professional skills from the operators, the programming workload is large and time-consuming, and manual editing is prone to path errors, which can lead to workpiece scrapping, equipment failure, and other problems.

[0005] Currently, most cutting optimization solutions in the industry focus on vacuum adsorption processing of sheet metal, but they have not fundamentally solved the processing restrictions caused by clamping. Especially when the surface flatness of the sheet metal is not good, vacuum adsorption cannot be achieved. At the same time, it is impossible to achieve full automation of the cutting programming process, and it cannot solve the dual industry pain points of material waste and low efficiency at the same time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved.

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a plate cutting control system and its processing method based on plug-in implementation, which solves the problems mentioned in the background technology, such as insufficient processing accuracy, workpiece scrap, and waste material in processing restricted areas caused by plate displacement during cutting.

[0008] (ii) Technical solution.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation, characterized in that it comprises: The parameter acquisition unit is configured to read the geometric parameters of the sheet metal to be cut from the computer-aided design software, as well as to acquire the area parameters of the fixture. The processing area division unit is configured to divide the area to be cut of the plate into a clamp area affected by the clamp and a non-clamp area unaffected by the clamp according to the area parameters of the clamp. The path planning unit is configured to prioritize planning the cutting path within the fixture processing area, and then plan the cutting path within the non-fixture processing area. The code generation unit is configured to generate executable CNC machining code from the planned cutting path, according to the instruction format of the target CNC equipment.

[0010] Preferably, the geometric parameters of the material to be cut include the material size parameters and the position parameters of the graphic to be cut.

[0011] Preferably, the fixture-free non-clamped area has an edge machining restricted area defined by the cutting allowance specification, and a machining area located inside the edge machining restricted area.

[0012] Preferably, the computer-aided design software is Computer-Aided Design.

[0013] Preferably, the clamp is a cylinder clamp, and its area parameter is the cylinder lifting area parameter.

[0014] Preferably, a processing method for controlling sheet metal cutting based on plug-in implementation is characterized by: S1: Obtain the dimensions of the material to be processed, the installation position and clamping area parameters of the fixture, and the vector data of all the processing graphics to be cut; S2: Based on the obtained fixture installation position and clamping area range parameters, the self-developed path generation algorithm is called to divide the plate to be processed into a fixture area affected by the fixture and a non-fixture area unaffected by the fixture. In the initial state, the plate is fixed by the equipment rollers. First, the fixture area affected by the fixture is processed, then the fixture is used to fix the plate, and then the non-fixture area unaffected by the fixture is processed. S3: Based on the self-developed path generation algorithm, the processing sequence of all processing graphics is arranged and the processing graphics at the edge of the non-fixture area are identified. The cutting allowance parameters are preset for the processing graphics at the edge of the non-fixture area, and the corresponding cutting path is generated. S4: Adapt the generated cutting path to the CNC system of the sheet metal cutting equipment to generate corresponding CNC machining code for the equipment to process the sheet metal.

[0015] Preferably, the cutting path includes a starting point region, which is located above or adjacent to the processed graphic and is configured to be used for cutting at the start of cutting and to maintain the connection between the processed graphic and the sheet metal before the end of cutting. In this case, all processed graphics located in the non-clamping area are arranged in the direction of processing from the non-clamping area to the clamping area, and each processed graphic starts cutting from its own starting point region until the moment the entire graphic is cut, at which point the graphic and the sheet metal are finally separated and completely separated.

[0016] Preferably, the starting area includes a cutting starting point, which is the minimum distance between the edge or point of the graphic to be cut and the fixture area. The cutting order of all processed graphics outside the fixture area is based on this value from large to small. That is, according to the distance between the cutting point and the clamping area, the near clamping end is strongly connected and the far clamping end is weakly connected, so that the part is released from the plate in a gradient order, smoothly and intelligently at the end of the processing, ensuring that the cutting process is stable, without shaking or chipping.

[0017] Preferably, the cutting allowance parameter represents the distance reserved between the cutting path and the edge of the board.

[0018] Preferably, the starting point of the cutting path of the processing graphic at the edge of the non-clamping area is based on a preset cutting allowance threshold. Under the condition that the distance between the cutting starting point and the edge of the plate is not less than the cutting allowance threshold, the distance between the cutting starting point and the clamping area is the minimum value, so as to prevent the individual graphic from breaking and shifting during the cutting process, which would lead to a decrease in cutting accuracy and reduce programming time.

[0019] (iii) Beneficial effects.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present invention can be conveniently fixed without clamps in the initial state of the sheet metal, so that the pattern of the clamp area is processed first and then the pattern of the non-clamp area is processed. The sheet metal in the clamp area that could only be discarded can be fully utilized. Actual tests show that the utilization rate of the sheet metal can be improved, thereby significantly reducing the material cost of production.

[0021] 2. This invention achieves fully automated processing through algorithms and CAD plugins, eliminating the need for manual selection of the machining sequence of the machining graphics, manual editing of tool avoidance paths in the fixture area, manual editing of machining programs for non-fixture edge cutting allowances, and manual editing of anti-breakage tool entry points for the machining graphics. Programming efficiency is improved by more than 90%, while completely avoiding the risk of errors from manual path editing, and significantly reducing the professional technical threshold for operators.

[0022] 3. This invention uses a CAD plugin as a carrier, which is compatible with mainstream woodworking design CAD software. It does not require replacing the company's existing woodworking cutting equipment and CNC system, and can be directly connected to the existing production line without additional hardware modification costs. It has strong adaptability and is easy to promote and apply in the entire industry such as furniture manufacturing and woodworking processing.

[0023] 4. This invention significantly reduces the time spent in the programming stage, enabling rapid response to the production needs of customized orders. At the same time, the increased utilization rate of the board material reduces the frequency of board material procurement, warehousing, and material changeover, further compressing the overall production cycle and achieving a full-chain efficiency improvement from design to processing.

[0024] 5. The present invention pre-sets a cutting allowance for the edge of the non-clamping area to prevent the part from shifting during the machining process, thereby improving the machining accuracy.

[0025] 6. This invention sets the cutting sequence through a plug-in, and cuts from far to near according to the distance between the cutting point and the clamping area. As a result, the processing of all graphics in the non-clamping area is strongly connected near the clamping end and weakly connected far from the clamping end, so that the parts are smoothly and intelligently detached from the plate in a gradient order at the end of the processing, ensuring that the cutting process is stable, without shaking or chipping. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the control system architecture of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the processing method steps of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1 Please see Figure 1-2 In this embodiment, taking the processing of a rectangular plate with a width of 1220 mm and a length of 2440 mm as an example, the plate cutting control process based on plug-in is described in detail.

[0030] First, the user draws the rectangular plate to be cut and its internal irregular processing graphics in computer-aided design software (such as AutoCAD). The operator starts the plug-in of this invention, and the parameter acquisition unit automatically reads the length and width geometric parameters of the rectangular plate and obtains the lifting area parameter of the cylinder clamp on the current machine tool worktable, which is 50mm. Then, the processing area division unit divides the area to be cut of the plate according to the obtained cylinder clamp lifting area parameter, that is: the cylinder clamp area, i.e., the 1220x50 area, is the clamp area, and the 1220x2390 area is the non-clamp area.

[0031] Next, the path planning unit activates its self-developed path generation algorithm. To optimize the processing sequence and prevent the sheet metal from moving during processing, the algorithm prioritizes planning the cutting path within the fixture area, followed by the non-fixture area. Within the fixture area, the algorithm prioritizes planning paths for the shapes within that area, ensuring that cutting in that area is completed during the initial processing stage when the sheet metal is fixed using rollers. After completing path planning for that area, the algorithm then plans the path within the non-fixture area. When planning the non-fixture area, it identifies the processing shapes located at the edge of that area and presets a 20mm cutting allowance for them, meaning the cutting starting point will be recessed 2mm towards the edge of the sheet metal. 0mm, and the cutting starting point is not in the area less than 20mm inward. The point closest to the fixture area is the cutting starting point to prevent the part from shifting due to loss of connection during the final cut. For the machining graphics that are not in the fixture area and are not on the edge, the cutting starting point is the minimum distance between the edge or point of the graphic to be cut and the edge of the fixture. The cutting sequence is to cut from large to small according to this value. That is, according to the distance between the cutting point and the clamping area, the near clamping end is strongly connected and the far clamping end is weakly connected, so that the part can be released from the plate in a gradient order, smoothly and intelligently at the end of the machining, ensuring that the cutting process is stable, without shaking or chipping.

[0032] Finally, the code generation unit compiles all the planned cutting paths, including those in the fixture area and those outside the fixture area, as well as the reserved cutting allowance information, according to the instruction format of the target CNC equipment, such as a certain brand of cutting machine, to generate a complete, executable G-code file. This file is then transmitted to the cutting equipment, which automatically completes the cutting of the sheet metal.

[0033] Example 2 Please see Figure 1-2 This embodiment focuses on describing a processing method for plates with special shapes.

[0034] S1: First, the plugin retrieves vector data of an L-shaped sheet metal to be processed from the CAD software, including its outer contour and the text and patterns contained within. Simultaneously, it retrieves the position coordinates and clamping area ranges of four cylinder clamps on the machine tool, which are distributed along one edge of the sheet metal.

[0035] S2: Based on the acquired fixture parameters, the plugin calls the self-developed path generation algorithm. The algorithm divides the sheet metal into multiple regions: the part covered by the fixture clamping area is defined as the fixture area, while other areas of the sheet metal are non-fixture areas. At the start of processing, the sheet metal is temporarily fixed by rollers, and the system first plans the cutting path for the fixture area.

[0036] S3: After completing S2, the non-fixture area processing stage begins. The plug-in automatically identifies the processing graphics located at the edge of the non-fixture area (i.e., close to the physical boundary of the irregularly shaped sheet). For these graphics, the plug-in calls the cutting allowance specification. Since the material is prone to burrs, the preset cutting allowance threshold in this embodiment is 8mm. The path planning unit calculates the cutting starting point for each edge graphic. The selection principle is that among all points where the distance L between the starting point and the edge of the sheet and the distance N between the starting point and the fixture area satisfy L≥8mm, the point with the smallest N value is selected, which is the closest point to the fixture area under the premise of satisfying the safety allowance. The cutting starting point for non-edge processing graphics in the non-fixture area is the minimum distance between the edge or point of the graphic to be cut and the fixture area. The cutting order is to cut in descending order of this value.

[0037] S4: Finally, the code generation unit will adapt the complex path containing area division, processing sequence, cutting allowance and starting position information to the specific CNC system to generate CNC machining code, which will guide the equipment to complete the high-precision cutting of L-shaped plates.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation, characterized in that, include: The parameter acquisition unit is configured to read the geometric parameters of the sheet metal to be cut from the computer-aided design software, as well as to acquire the area parameters of the fixture. The processing area division unit is configured to divide the area to be cut of the plate into a clamp area affected by the clamp and a non-clamp area unaffected by the clamp according to the area parameters of the clamp. The path planning unit is configured to prioritize planning the cutting path within the fixture processing area, and then plan the cutting path within the non-fixture processing area. The code generation unit is configured to generate executable CNC machining code from the planned cutting path, according to the instruction format of the target CNC equipment.

2. The plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The geometric parameters of the material to be cut include the material size parameters and the position parameters of the graphic to be cut.

3. The plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixture-free area, which is not affected by the fixture, has an edge machining restricted area defined by the cutting allowance specification and a machining area located inside the edge machining restricted area.

4. The plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The computer-aided design software is Computer-Aided Design.

5. A plate cutting control system based on plug-in implementation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp is a cylinder clamp, and its area parameter is the cylinder lifting area parameter.

6. A processing method for controlling sheet metal cutting based on plug-in implementation, characterized in that: S1: Obtain the dimensions of the material to be processed, the installation position and clamping area parameters of the fixture, and the vector data of all the processing graphics to be cut; S2: Based on the obtained fixture installation position and clamping area range parameters, the self-developed path generation algorithm is called to divide the plate to be processed into a fixture area affected by the fixture and a non-fixture area unaffected by the fixture. In the initial state, the plate is fixed by the equipment rollers. First, the fixture area affected by the fixture is processed, then the fixture is used to fix the plate, and then the non-fixture area unaffected by the fixture is processed. S3: Based on the self-developed path generation algorithm, the processing sequence of all processing graphics is arranged and the processing graphics at the edge of the non-fixture area are identified. The cutting allowance parameters are preset for the processing graphics at the edge of the non-fixture area, and the corresponding cutting path is generated. S4: Adapt the generated cutting path to the CNC system of the sheet metal cutting equipment to generate corresponding CNC machining code for the equipment to process the sheet metal.

7. The processing method for plate cutting control based on plug-in implementation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cutting path includes a starting point area, which is located above or adjacent to the processed graphic and is configured to be used for tool entry at the start of cutting and to maintain the connection between the processed graphic and the sheet metal before the end of cutting. All processed graphics located in the non-clamping area are arranged in the direction of processing from the non-clamping area to the clamping area, and each processed graphic starts cutting from its own starting point area until the moment the entire graphic is cut, at which point the graphic and the sheet metal are finally separated and completely separated.

8. The processing method for plate cutting control based on plug-in implementation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The starting area includes a cutting starting point, which is the minimum distance between the edge or point of the graphic to be cut and the fixture area. The cutting order of all processed graphics outside the fixture area is based on this value from largest to smallest.

9. A processing method for plate cutting control based on plug-in implementation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cutting allowance parameter represents the distance reserved between the cutting path and the edge of the board.

10. A processing method for plate cutting control based on plug-in implementation according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The starting point of the cutting path of the processing graphic at the edge of the non-clamping area is based on a preset cutting allowance threshold. Under the condition that the distance between the starting point and the edge of the plate is not less than the cutting allowance threshold, the distance between the starting point and the edge of the plate and the clamping area is the minimum value. This prevents a single graphic from breaking and shifting during the cutting process, which would reduce the cutting accuracy and reduce programming time.

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