Machine tool, machining program generation support method, computer, and computer program

Abstract

This machining program generation support method includes causing a computer to set, as a plurality of allocated tools, a plurality of tools used respectively in a plurality of machining processes. The method includes causing the computer to receive a user's input for changing the tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first allocated tool corresponding to the selected process to a first selected tool among the plurality of allocated tools. The method includes causing the computer to determine whether or not there is an improvement-requiring process, which is one of the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process and for which changing from the first allocated tool to the first selected tool would make unavailable a second allocated tool corresponding to the improvement-requiring process among the plurality of allocated tools. The method includes causing the computer to, if there is the improvement-requiring process, change the tool used in the improvement-requiring process from the second allocated tool to a second selected tool that can be used in the improvement-requiring process.

Description

Machine tool, machining program generation support method, computer, and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool, a machining program generation support method, a computer, and a computer program.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose interactive machining program creation devices. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for automatically selecting an optimum tool according to a machining shape to create a machining program. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for generating a tool path for machining a machining area created by a user based on a tool selected by the user.

[0003] Patent No. 6674076 Patent No. 4286836 JP 2013-186866 A

[0004] If the optimal tool selected by the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 is unavailable for the machine tool, a different tool must be selected. Patent Document 3 is capable of generating a machining program that performs machining using a tool selected by the user even when the optimal machine tool is unavailable. However, machining programs often consist of multiple machining steps, and changing a tool for one step may result in the tool for another step becoming unavailable. The invention of Patent Document 3 cannot address this problem.

[0005] The objective of the technology disclosed in this application is to make it possible, for example, when changing a tool for one process in a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, to appropriately change the tool for another process that is affected by the change.

[0006] A machining program generation support method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes causing a computer to set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method also includes causing the computer to receive a user input to change a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to a first selected tool. The method also includes causing the computer to determine whether an improvement request process exists among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool would make a second assigned tool corresponding to the process unavailable among the plurality of assigned tools. When an improvement request process exists, the method also includes causing the computer to change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available for the improvement request process.

[0007] A machining program generation support method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes causing a computer to set, as assigned tools, a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes. The method includes causing the computer to set tool paths for each of the plurality of assigned tools as set tool paths. The method also includes causing the computer to receive a user input to change a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to a first selected tool. The method also includes causing the computer to determine whether an improvement request process exists among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing the first assigned tool to the first selected tool would cause the first selected tool to become unusable unless the set tool path of a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools is changed. When an improvement request process exists, the method also includes causing the computer to change the tool path of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool becomes usable.

[0008] A machining program generation support method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes causing a computer to set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method includes causing the computer to set the toolpaths of each of the plurality of assigned tools as a set toolpath. The method also includes causing the computer to receive a user input to change the toolpath of a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from the set toolpath of the tool to a selected toolpath. The method also includes causing the computer to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing to the selected toolpath would make a second assigned tool corresponding to the process unavailable. When the improvement request process exists, the method also includes causing the computer to change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that is available for the improvement request process.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the first or third aspect, the selected process includes a machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in the improvement request process is inserted. The improvement request process includes a side surface enlarging process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the previous machining process and cutting a side surface of the insertion port.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, if the size of the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool is smaller than the size between the insertion openings formed by the first assigned tool, and therefore the second assigned tool cannot be inserted into the insertion opening, the computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, when an improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion port formed by the first selected tool.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the first or second aspect, the improvement request process includes a pre-machining process of forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in a selected process is inserted. The selected process includes a side surface enlarging process of inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting a side surface of the insertion port.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, if the first selected tool is larger than the first assigned tool and therefore cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, when an improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to insert the first selected tool.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, the tool used to form the insertion port is a drilling tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is at least one of a turning tool and a grooving tool.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, the tool used to form the insertion port is a grooving tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is a turning tool.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the machining program generation support method according to any of the first to eleventh aspects further includes having a computer calculate a first cut shape to be cut by a second assigned tool and displaying the first cut shape on a display, and based on a change in the improvement-requested process, having the computer calculate a second cut shape to be cut in the improvement-requested process and displaying the second cut shape on the display.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, having a computer determine whether or not a process requiring improvement exists includes storing a correspondence relationship between a selected process and a process requiring improvement in a storage device of the computer, obtaining information representing the process requiring improvement based on the correspondence relationship from the selected process received by input, and having the computer search, based on the information, for whether or not a process corresponding to the process requiring improvement is included among the multiple machining processes.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to any of the first to thirteenth aspects, when there is no improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate a machining program in which a first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is corrected to a first selected tool. When there is an improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate a machining program in which the first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is corrected to the first selected tool and the second assigned tool is corrected to the second selected tool.

[0020] According to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, in a machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, having a computer set a plurality of tools to be used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools includes generating a primary machining program that uses a plurality of assigned tools to perform machining in a plurality of machining processes.

[0021] A computer according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0022] A machine tool according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0023] A computer program according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0024] A computer-readable medium according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0025] In the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect each having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, the computer determines whether there is an improvement-requested process in which changing from a first assigned tool to a first selected tool will make a second assigned tool corresponding to that process unavailable, and if there is an improvement-requested process, the computer changes the tool used in the improvement-requested process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool that is available for the improvement-requested process. Thus, when changing the tool for one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for other processes affected by the change.

[0026] In a machining program generation support method according to a second aspect, a computer according to a sixteenth aspect and a machine tool according to a seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the second aspect, and a computer program according to an eighteenth aspect and a computer-readable medium according to a nineteenth aspect each having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the second aspect, the computer determines whether there is an improvement-required process in which changing from a first assigned tool to a first selected tool will make the first selected tool unavailable unless the set toolpath of a second assigned tool corresponding to that process is changed, and if there is an improvement-required process, the computer changes the toolpath of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool becomes available. Thus, when changing the tool of one process in a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the toolpath of other processes affected by the change.

[0027] In the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect each having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, the computer determines whether there is an improvement-requesting process in which a change to a selected toolpath will make a second assigned tool corresponding to that process unavailable, and if there is an improvement-requesting process, changes the tool used in the improvement-requesting process from the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that is available for the improvement-requesting process. Thus, when changing the toolpath of one process in a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change tools for other processes affected by the change.

[0028] In the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, when the tool for the pre-machining process is changed, the tool that can be inserted into the insertion port of the side expansion process changes, so by setting the pre-machining process as the selected process and the side expansion process as the improvement request process, a useful machining program can be generated.

[0029] In the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, when the size of the insertion opening formed by the tool in the previous machining step becomes small, the tool that can be inserted into the insertion opening in the side enlargement step becomes small, and the preset second assigned tool cannot be used. In such a case, it is even more effective to designate the side enlargement step as the improvement request step.

[0030] In the machining program generation support method according to the sixth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the sixth aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the sixth aspect, a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion slot is selected, so that the second selected tool can be made available in the improvement request process.

[0031] In the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, when the tool for the side expansion process is changed, the tool that can form the insertion opening into which the tool can be inserted changes, so by making the side expansion process the selected process and the pre-machining process the improvement request process, a useful machining program can be generated.

[0032] In the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, the computer program according to the eighth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect, which include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, if the tool insertable into the insertion slot becomes larger during the side enlargement process, the predetermined second assigned tool cannot form an insertion slot that can insert the tool. Therefore, changing the tool used in the side enlargement process prevents the insertion slot from fulfilling the required function, and the second assigned tool cannot be used. In such cases, it is even more effective to designate the pre-machining process as the improvement-requesting process.

[0033] In the machining program generation support method according to the ninth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the ninth aspect, the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect each having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the ninth aspect, the first selected tool is changed to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to insert the first selected tool, thereby enabling the insertion opening to perform the requested function. Therefore, the second selected tool can be made available in the improvement requesting process.

[0034] The machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect are advantageous when performing a series of machining steps that involve drilling a long hole with a drilling tool and widening the side of the hole with a turning tool or a grooving tool.

[0035] The machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, the computer program according to the 18th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect are advantageous when performing a series of machining steps such as using a grooving tool to open a groove-shaped insertion opening in a flat end face or curved side face of a workpiece and inserting a cutting tool into the insertion opening to increase the groove width, or using a grooving tool to open a groove-shaped insertion opening in the side face of a hole opened by the boring tool and inserting a cutting tool into the insertion opening to increase the groove width.

[0036] In the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, the first cut shape to be cut by the second assigned tool and the second cut shape to be cut by the second selected tool can be displayed on the display, allowing the user to visually see the cut shapes before and after the change.

[0037] The machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect facilitate the computer's search for processes requiring improvement.

[0038] The machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect can further generate a machining program that corrects defects in the improvement-requested process.

[0039] In the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect that include instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, a primary machining program is generated, so that modifying the primary machining program not only corrects defects in the process requiring improvement, but is also advantageous when the user wants to customize the program for other purposes.

[0040] According to the technology disclosed in the present application, for example, when changing a tool for one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for other processes that are affected by the change.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system including a machine tool and a computer for generating a machining program for the machine tool according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of a control device. FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of a computer. FIG. 4 is an example of a primary machining program. FIG. 5 is an example of an image representing a machining shape machined by the primary machining program. FIG. 6 is an example of tool information for a turning drill. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning drill and a cut shape. FIG. 8 is an example of tool information for a turning tool. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning tool and a cut shape. FIG. 10 is an example of an editing window for a primary machining program. FIG. 11 is an example of correspondence data. FIG. 12 is an example of a secondary machining program. FIG. 13 is an example of an image representing a machining shape machined by the secondary machining program. FIG. 14 is another example of a primary machining program. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the cut shape and the shape of a grooving tool according to the program of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an example of tool information for a grooving tool. FIG. 17 is another example of a secondary machining program. FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S3 in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S10 in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 20. FIG. 25 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a flowchart relating to a machining program generation support method subsequent to the processing of FIG. 25.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments thereof, in which the same reference numerals designate corresponding or substantially identical components.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a machine tool 100, a computer 200, and a network 290 connecting the machine tool 100 and the computer 200. The network 290 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) installed in a factory. While the illustrated network 290 is a wired network, the network 290 may also be a wireless network. The X axis shown in FIG. 1 is aligned along the height of the machine tool 100, the Y axis is aligned along the depth of the machine tool 100, and the Z axis is aligned along the width of the machine tool 100. In this embodiment, the Z axis is defined as an axis parallel to the rotation axis A3 of the first spindle 122 that holds the workpiece, in accordance with the JIS standard. In this embodiment, this coordinate system is referred to as a workpiece coordinate system.

[0044] The machine tool 100 performs machining on a workpiece W1. The machining includes at least one of turning, milling, drilling, threading, reaming, and boring. As shown in FIG. 1 , the machine tool 100 includes a column 110, a first headstock 120, and a second headstock 121. The column 110, the first headstock 120, and the second headstock 121 are disposed on a base 140.

[0045] The column 110 is movable in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction on the base 140. A tool headstock 112 is attached to the column 110. The tool headstock 112 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the column 110. The tool headstock 112 is rotatable about a rotation axis A1 along the Y-axis direction relative to the column 110. A tool spindle 114 is attached to the tool headstock 112. The tool spindle 114 is rotatable about a rotation axis A2 relative to the tool headstock 112. The rotation axis A2 is perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. A tool Ta, which is a cutting tool, is held by the tool spindle 114. The concept of cutting tools encompasses turning tools, milling tools, drilling tools, grooving tools, threading tools, reaming tools, and boring tools. The machine tool 100 further includes a tool changer (not shown) for changing the tool Ta to another tool. The tool Ta is changed as needed to suit the machining content of the workpiece W1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the intersection of axis A1 and axis A2 is called the machine origin Om, the rotation axis A2 is called the Zm axis, the pivot axis A1 is called the Ym axis, and an axis perpendicular to each of the Zm axis and Ym axis is called the Xm axis, and the coordinate system is called the machine coordinate system. The direction from the machine origin Om toward the tip of the first tool T1 is called the positive direction of the Zm axis. The positive direction of the X axis of the workpiece coordinate system when the X axis of the workpiece coordinate system is rotated around the Y axis so that the positive direction of the Z axis of the workpiece coordinate system faces the same direction as the positive direction of the Zm axis of the machine coordinate system is called the positive direction of the Xm axis of the machine coordinate system. The positive direction of the Y axis of the workpiece coordinate system is called the positive direction of the Ym axis of the machine coordinate system.

[0047] The first headstock 120 is fixed on the base 140. The first headstock 120 includes a first spindle 122. The first spindle 122 is rotatable about a rotation axis A3. The rotation axis A3 is along the Z-axis direction. The first spindle 122 is provided with a first chuck 124. The first chuck 124 grips a first end of the workpiece W1. The second headstock 121 is provided on the base 140 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction. The second headstock 121 includes a second spindle 123. The second spindle 123 is rotatable about the rotation axis A3. The second spindle 123 is provided with a second chuck 125. The second chuck 125 grips a second end of the workpiece W1 opposite the first end of the workpiece W1 in the Z-axis direction. When machining the second end of the workpiece W1, the machine tool 100 grips the workpiece W1 in the first chuck 124. When machining the first end of the workpiece W1, the machine tool 100 grips the workpiece W1 in the second chuck 125.

[0048] Machine tool 100 is equipped with a control device 150 for controlling rotation about each rotation axis, rotation about each pivot axis, and movement in each axial direction. Control device 150 is connected to base 140. Here, control device 150 may be connected to another location on machine tool 100, or may be installed separately from base 140 as long as it is capable of transmitting control signals and receiving detection results. Control device 150 is generally called a computer numerical control (CNC) device. In other words, control device 150 is a type of computer.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the control device 150. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 150 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, a communication circuit 153, and a touch panel display 154. The processor 151, the memory 152, the communication circuit 153, and the touch panel display 154 are connected to one another via a bus 155. The memory 152 stores programs necessary for machining, programs for editing the machining programs, and data necessary for these. The processor 151 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 152. This realizes the various functions of the control device 150. The various functions realized by the control device 150 include control of the execution of cutting. Specifically, the memory 152 stores a machining program 157. The machining program 157 includes control commands for executing cutting. Typically, the machining program 157 is edited in the computer 200, transmitted to the control device 150 via the network 290, and stored in the memory 152. The communication circuit 153 has a function of converting communication packets into data, a function of converting data into communication packets, and a function of transmitting and receiving communication packets in order to communicate with the computer 200 via the network 290 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the memory 152 stores tool information 158 of a tool Ta that can be attached to the machine tool 100. The tool information 158 includes a T number corresponding to the tool Ta, the name of the tool Ta, the material of the tool Ta, the characteristics of the blade of the tool Ta, and the usage state (wear state) of the tool Ta. The characteristics of the blade of the tool Ta include the nominal diameter of the tool Ta, the tool length, the tool diameter, the axial offset, the radial offset, the number of blades, the blade width, the radius of curvature of the arc that defines the blade shape (the radius of curvature of the blade tip) R, the blade indexing angle, the effective spindle rotation direction, and the blade orientation.

[0051] The tool length is the length of the tool Ta in the direction along the rotation axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction) when a (new) unworn tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. In other words, the tool length is the length of the tool Ta in the Zm axis direction in the machine coordinate system. The tool diameter is the diameter of the tool Ta in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction) when a (new) unworn tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. The axial offset is the axial distance from the base end point of the tool Ta to the tool tip of the cutting edge of the tool Ta when the (new) unworn tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. The base end point of the tool Ta is the end point that belongs to the portion of the tool Ta gripped by the tool spindle 114, out of the two end points along the axial direction of the tool Ta when the tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. In other words, the axial offset is the distance in the Zm axis direction from the base end point of the tool Ta to the tip of the cutting edge in the machine coordinate system. The radial offset is the radial coordinate value from the base end point of the tool Ta to the cutting edge of the tool Ta when an unworn (new) tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. This coordinate value is the Xm coordinate value of the cutting edge of the tool Ta when the tool headstock 112 is in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 .

[0052] The blade indexing angle indicates whether the cutting edge of the turning tool faces the first spindle 122 or the second spindle 123. When the indexing angle is 0 degrees, the cutting edge of the turning tool faces the first spindle 122. When the indexing angle is 180 degrees, the cutting edge of the turning tool faces the second spindle 123. The effective spindle rotation direction indicates the effective rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the spindle to which the turning tool is facing when viewed from the turning tool. The blade orientation indicates whether the turning tool is left-handed or right-handed.

[0053] The memory 152 further includes material information 161 and machine constant data 162. The material information 161 includes reference information (such as name and ID) of the material that will be the workpiece W1 to be machined, its shape (outer diameter, inner diameter (if a hole is present), length), and characteristics (specific cutting resistance x (kg / mm 2 ). The machine constant data 162 is a parameter specific to the machine tool 100 used in calculating cutting conditions. The machine constant data 162 is, for example, machine efficiency η, machine horsepower HP (HP), and machining limit (finishing allowance). The tool information 158 is transmitted to the computer 200 via the network 290 by the communication circuit 153. The tool information 158 and material information 161 are read from the memory 152 when a machining program generation program 156 or a machining program editing program 159, described later, is executed. The memory 152 may store a machining program generation program 156 for generating a machining program 157 and a machining program editing program 159 for editing the generated machining program 157. The machining program generation program 156 has functions equivalent to those of the machining program generation program 156 described in International Publication No. 2021 / 014571. A description of functions of the machining program generation program 156 that are unrelated to this embodiment will be omitted. However, the functions of the machining program generation program 156 described in WO 2021 / 014571 may be referred to by incorporation by reference. In the following embodiments, the machining program 157 generated by the machining program generation program 156 is referred to as a primary machining program 157a. The machining program editing program 159 is a program that changes the primary machining program 157a to generate a secondary machining program 157b. The functions of the machining program editing program 159 will be described later.

[0054] Touch panel display 154 does not have to be a single display 154, but may be a collection of multiple displays. The display of touch panel display 154 is an example of a display, and the touch panel is an example of an interface. Touch panel display 154 may be replaced by a combination of a display without a touch panel and an input device such as a button, switch, lever, or pointing device provided around the display. In this case, the input device is an example of an interface.

[0055] 3 is a hardware block diagram of the computer 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a communication circuit 230, a display 240, and an input interface 250. The processor 210, the memory 220, the communication circuit 230, the display 240, and the input interface 250 are connected to one another via a bus 260. The input interface 250 is an example of an interface, and refers to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or other pointing device. Note that the computer 200 may be a computer in which the display 240 and the input interface 250 are integrated, such as a tablet computer having a touch panel display.

[0056] The memory 220 stores the above-mentioned machining program 157, tool information 158, material information 161, machining program generation program 221, machining program editing program 222, and programs such as an operating system. The machining program generation program 221 has substantially the same functions as the machining program generation program 156. The machining program editing program 222 has substantially the same functions as the machining program editing program 159. However, the screen display method of the machining program editing program 222 may be partially different from the screen display method of the machining program editing program 159. The processor 210 reads out the programs stored in the memory 220 and executes the read out programs. The communication circuit 230 has a function of converting communication packets into data, a function of converting data into communication packets, and a function of transmitting and receiving communication packets for communicating with the control device 150 via the network 290.

[0057] The computer 200 can transmit the primary machining program 157a generated using the machining program generation program 221 and the secondary machining program 157b generated using the machining program editing program 222 to the control device 150 using the communication circuit 230. Furthermore, when the machining program generation program 221 or the machining program editing program 222 is executed, the computer 200 can receive the latest tool information 158 from the control device 150 using the communication circuit 230 and update the tool information 158 in the memory 220.

[0058] Next, the contents of the machining program 157 common to the primary machining program 157a and the secondary machining program 157b will be described. In this embodiment, the machining program 157 is written in program code for numerically controlling the machine tool 100. The machining program 157 defines at least the following contents: (1) Common unit: material and shape of the workpiece W1 (2) Basic coordinate unit: method for setting the workpiece coordinate system and the machine coordinate system (3) Machining unit: machining method and machining shape of each part of the final machining shape The common unit, basic coordinate unit, and machining unit each have a unit number. The machining unit includes unit data including information specifying the machining content, a tool sequence that sets the tool Ta and cutting conditions for the tool Ta, and a shape sequence that defines the machining shape to be machined in the machining unit. A tool sequence refers to a series of machining stages required to form the machining shape of a portion defined by the machining unit (e.g., one bar, one thread) (a series of stages in which rough machining and finishing machining are performed while changing tools to form one shape (e.g., in the case of hole machining, a series of stages such as spot machining, rough drilling using drills with gradually increasing tool diameters, and finishing such as reaming); in the case of thread machining, a series of stages such as spotting, prepared hole machining, and tapping). A shape sequence refers to a set of segments defined by the start point, end point, and connection relationship (straight line, arc, etc.) between the start point and end point of the cutting edge of the tool in the workpiece coordinate system for determining the machining shape. However, the thread pitch in thread machining (tapping) is included in the unit data of the machining unit. In this embodiment, a machining stage performed by one tool in the tool sequence is called a machining process, and will be explained below.

[0059] The machining program 157 defines at least one tool Ta to be used in a machining operation, and at least one machining step during the machining operation by each tool of the at least one tool Ta. Generally, the machining program 157 only needs to have at least one machining step, but this embodiment targets a machining program 157 having a plurality of machining steps. In a machining step, the tool Ta and the cutting conditions of the tool Ta for realizing the process at the machining stage are defined. The cutting conditions of the tool Ta include the cutting speed Vc, the cutting amount of the tool Ta into the workpiece W1, and the feed speed of the workpiece W1. The cutting speed Vc (m / min) is calculated by dividing the spindle rotation speed by nw (min -1) and the workpiece diameter is D (mm), Vc can be calculated from the formula Vc = π × D × nw / 1000. In this embodiment, the feed rate refers to the feed per revolution (f) (mm / rev) of the spindle. The parameters defining the machining process further include information identifying the stage of the machining process (e.g., rough machining, finishing, spot machining, pilot hole drilling, tapping, etc.) and a number indicating the execution order of the machining process within the machining unit to which the machining process belongs. Therefore, for example, if the rough machining process within the tool sequence in the machining program 157 is defined as number 1 and the finish machining process as number 2, the rough machining process will be executed first, followed by the finish machining process. Furthermore, the tool Ta and cutting conditions for the tool Ta defined in the machining process are applied to the entire shape sequence within the same machining unit. <Overview of Machining Program Generation Program> The control device 150 executing the machining program generation program 156 and the computer 200 executing the machining program generation program 221 (hereinafter, these devices are referred to as machining program generation computers) input a 3D model of the workpiece W1 (machined object) and a 3D model of a target object (a product or a component of the product), set and classify machining surfaces based on the differences between these 3D models, select an optimal tool Ta based on the machining surfaces, and generate a machining unit using the tool Ta. In other words, the machining program generation computer sets multiple tools Ta to be used in multiple machining processes as multiple assigned tools. The machining unit includes parameters (described in detail below) representing patterns and tool sequences that define the tool paths of the multiple assigned tools. Therefore, the machining program generation computer sets each tool path of the multiple assigned tools as a set tool path. The machining program generation computer generates a primary machining program 157a that performs machining using multiple assigned tools in multiple machining processes. FIG. 4 shows an example of the primary machining program 157a of the machining program generation program 156. FIG. 5 is an example of an image showing a machining shape machined by the primary machining program 157a.

[0060] In Figure 4, unit number (UNo.) 0 indicates a common unit. Unit number (UNo.) 11 indicates a machining unit using a turning drill. Unit number (UNo.) 12 indicates a machining unit that machines the side of a hole drilled by a turning drill. Hereinafter, the machining unit with unit number 11 will be referred to as the turning drill machining unit, and the machining unit with unit number 12 will be referred to as the bar material internal diameter machining unit. The turning drill machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) 1 and a shape sequence consisting of the start point-Z and end point-Z of Figure 1. The bar material internal diameter machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) R1, a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F2, and a shape sequence representing the line pattern of Figure 1. Note that for ease of explanation, the basic coordinate unit and machining units other than those listed above are omitted from the machining program in Figure 4.

[0061] The turning drill machining unit includes a machining unit parameter and a hole diameter parameter, which are commonly used in the tool sequence and the shape sequence, between the unit number (UNo.) and the sequence number (Sno.). The machining unit parameter is a parameter that determines whether the flat end face on the right side or the flat end face on the left side of the workpiece W1 will be machined. The hole diameter parameter is a parameter that specifies the nominal diameter of the drill. Note that Dr1 in Figure 5 corresponds to the nominal diameter of the turning drill.

[0062] The tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit includes, for example, tool parameters, nominal parameters, peripheral speed parameters, and feed parameters. The tool parameters specify a turning drill for end face machining. The nominal parameters include a nominal diameter ("32.0") and a suffix ("A"). The suffix is ​​used to distinguish between multiple tools with the same tool parameters and nominal diameter. The peripheral speed parameter represents the rotational speed of the first spindle 122 holding the workpiece W1. Note that the first spindle 122 may be fixed and the tool spindle 114 may be rotated. In this case, the peripheral speed parameter is set using a parameter separate from the peripheral speed parameter. The feed parameter represents the speed at which the turning drill moves linearly in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The shape sequence of the turning drill machining unit includes the turning start point (start point-Z) and the cutting end point (end point-Z) of the Z coordinate as parameters. As a result, the tool path of the tip of the turning drill moves from the machine origin to (0,0, start point-Z) in the work coordinate system, moves in a straight line from (0,0, start point-Z) to (0,0, end point-Z), moves in a straight line from (0,0, end point-Z) to (0,0, start point-Z), and then moves back and forth from (0,0, start point-Z) in the work coordinate system to the machine origin, and is set as the set tool path. Figure 5 shows the shape sequence of the turning drill machining unit. P indicates the origin of the work coordinate system. The coordinate values ​​specified in the shape sequence are the origin O of the work coordinate system. P In Figure 5, Zoffmax indicates the movement amount of the turning drill in the Z-axis direction (the difference between the end point -Z value and the start point -Z value), and the polka dot area IH1 indicates the area cut by the turning drill.

[0064] The bar internal diameter machining unit includes, between the unit number (UNo.) and sequence number (Sno.), parameters commonly used by the tool sequence and shape sequence: the X coordinate of the infeed start point (half the coordinate value of infeed-X), the Z coordinate of the infeed start point (infeed-Z), the finishing allowance (finishing allowance-X), and the finishing allowance (finishing allowance-Z). The tool sequence with sequence number R1 defines the tool for rough machining. Hereinafter, the tool sequence with sequence number R1 will be referred to as the rough machining tool sequence. In addition to the tool sequence parameters of the turning drill machining unit, the tool sequence with sequence number R1 also includes a pattern parameter and a infeed 1 parameter. The infeed 1 parameter represents the maximum infeed amount in the X-axis direction cut in a single stroke. If the cutting depth in the X-axis direction is greater than the length of the infeed 1 parameter, the machine tool 100 performs cutting in multiple strokes. The pattern parameter defines the tool path for each stroke. In this example, the tool path to be set is the following: in one stroke, the cutting edge is moved to the cut start point, then moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 at a cutting depth within the cut 1 parameter; then, the cutting edge is moved in the X-axis direction until it reaches the other end in the Z-axis direction, at which point it is moved in the X-axis direction to separate it from the workpiece W1 and return it to the cut start point. Note that various other tool paths may be set as the set tool path. The tool sequence with sequence number F2 defines the tool for finish machining. Hereinafter, the tool sequence with sequence number F2 will be referred to as the tool sequence for finish machining. In the tool sequence with sequence number F2, the pattern parameter and cut 1 parameter are not set. The machine tool 100 automatically sets the cut amount in the X-axis direction appropriate for finish machining and the tool path for finish machining. The shape sequence specifies the X coordinate of the machining end point (end point -X / 2) and the Z coordinate of the machining end point (end point -Z). The area CP1 shown by hatching using dashed lines in Figure 5 indicates the area to be cut by the bar material inner diameter machining unit. Xoffmax corresponds to the end point -X / 2 and is equal to the radius of the machined hole in the product shape.

[0065] The machining program generation computer sets the tool to be set in the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit to the tool optimal for machining. Figure 6 is an example of tool information 158 for a turning drill. As shown in Figure 6, the tool information 158 for a turning drill includes a T number (T No.), pocket number (P No.), tool name (name + machining portion), nominal size + suffix. Furthermore, as tool parameters (dimensions) corresponding to these, the tool information includes parameters such as tool length, tool diameter, rotation direction, cutting edge angle, tool material, and effective cutting length.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a turning drill and the shape of the workpiece. Referring to FIG. 7, the tool length corresponds to the longitudinal length Ld of the tool. The tool diameter corresponds to the diameter Dd of the tool. The rotational orientation is a parameter that indicates whether it is appropriate to rotate the workpiece W1 clockwise or counterclockwise when viewing the workpiece W1 from the side opposite the first chuck 124 when the workpiece W1 is rotated by the first spindle 122, and whether it is appropriate to move the turning drill leftward or rightward relative to the workpiece W1. The cutting edge angle is the angle represented by angle θd in FIG. 7. The tool material indicates the material of the turning drill. The effective cutting edge length corresponds to Led.

[0067] The machining program generation computer may select and set an optimal turning drill based on, for example, the following [Condition 1] to [Condition 6]. [Condition 1] The tool material is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 2] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction are matched to the tool's direction of travel. [Condition 3] The tool length Ld is greater than the machining depth DEP. [Condition 4] The effective cutting length Led is greater than the machining depth DEP. [Condition 5] When the point angle θr of the tip of the shape to be cut is defined, the cutting edge angle θd is equal to the point angle θr. [Condition 6] The tool diameter Dd is equal to the machining diameter Dr, or when the machining diameter Dr is greater than the maximum diameter usable for turning drills, the tool diameter Dd is the maximum diameter usable for turning drills.

[0068] The machining program generation computer selects a turning drill with the largest tool diameter, T number 40, and nominal size 32.A, that satisfies these conditions.

[0069] The machining program generation computer sets the tool to be set in the tool sequence of the bar material internal diameter machining unit as the turning tool optimal for machining. FIG. 8 shows an example of tool information 158 for a turning tool. As shown in FIG. 8, the tool information 158 for a turning tool includes a T number (T No.), a pocket number (P No.), a tool name (name + machining location), and a nominal number + suffix. Furthermore, the tool information includes the corresponding tool parameters (dimensions) as parameters for the tool: tool length A, tool length B, tool width, rotation direction, cutting edge R, cutting angle, cutting edge angle, minimum machining diameter, tool material, and application (roughing / finishing). Below, we will focus on the parameters that differ from the parameters of a turning drill.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning drill and the shape of the workpiece. Referring to FIG. 9, tool length A corresponds to the tool protrusion amount Ht1 in FIG. 9. Tool length B corresponds to the distance Wt1 in the X-axis direction between the rotation axis A2 and the cutting edge as shown in FIG. 9. Tool width corresponds to the diameter Dt1 of the neck portion of the tool as shown in FIG. 9. The rotational direction is the same as that of a turning drill. Cutting edge R is the radius of curvature TR1 of the cutting edge. The cutting angle is the angle β in FIG. 9 t1 The cutting edge angle corresponds to the angle α t1 In the following embodiments, γ t1 = 180°-α t1 -β t1 is called the minor cutting angle. The minimum machining diameter MR1 is substantially equal to the sum of the tool length B (Wt1) and half the tool width (Dt1 / 2).

[0071] The machining program generation computer may select and set the optimum turning tool based on, for example, the following [Condition 7] to [Condition 11]. [Condition 7] The material of the tool is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 8] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction are matched to the tool's direction of travel. [Condition 9] The tool length A (Ht1) is greater than the machining depth DEP1. [Condition 10] The minimum machining diameter MR1 is smaller than the machining diameter Dr1. Note that Dr1 = Dd. [Condition 11] The tool is suitable for the rough machining and finish machining purposes in the program.

[0072] The machining program generation computer selects a tool with a T number 10 and a nominal number 10.A that satisfies the rough machining conditions of the bar material inner diameter machining unit as a tool for the rough machining tool sequence. The machining program generation computer selects a tool with a T number 10 and a nominal number 10.I that satisfies the finish machining conditions of the bar material inner diameter machining unit as a tool for the finish machining tool sequence. <Overview of the Machining Program Editing Program> The control device 150 that executes the machining program editing program 159 and the computer 200 that executes the machining program editing program 222 (hereinafter these devices will be referred to as the machining program editing computer) analyze the primary machining program 157a, calculate each cut shape to be cut by each tool, and display each cut shape on the display 154 (240). Figure 10 shows an example of an editing window 30 for the primary machining program 157a displayed by the machining program editing computer. The editing window 30 includes, for example, a CG display window DIS, a unit selection window WIN1, a tool sequence selection window WIN2, and a tool information display window WIN3. The editing window 30 may further include a shape sequence display window, but a description of the shape sequence display window will be omitted. The display of the unit selection window WIN1, tool sequence selection window WIN2, and tool information display window WIN3 in Fig. 10 is an example, and several windows may be integrated, or the unit selection window WIN1 and tool sequence selection window WIN2 may be omitted. Fig. 5 shows an example in which the CG display window DIS is enlarged.

[0073] When each cut shape (hereinafter referred to as the cut portion) to be cut by each tool is selected in the CG display window DIS, the machining unit corresponding to the cut portion is highlighted in the unit selection window WIN1, and the tool sequence included in the machining unit highlighted in the unit selection window WIN1 is displayed in the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When the selected machining unit includes multiple tool sequences, if one tool sequence is selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2, tool information of the tool specified in the selected tool sequence is displayed in the tool information display window WIN3. In the example of Figure 10, the selected portion HL corresponding to the bar material inner diameter machining unit is selected and highlighted, and the bar material inner diameter machining unit corresponding to the selected portion HL is displayed by highlighting HL1. A tool sequence for finishing machining is selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2 and displayed by highlighting HL2, and tool information of the tools in the tool sequence for finishing machining is displayed in the tool information display window WIN3.

[0074] Conversely, when a machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1, a selected portion corresponding to the selected machining unit is highlighted in the CG display window DIS. For example, when a turning drill machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1 (for example, USEL1 displayed with polka dots in FIG. 10), the cut area corresponding to the turning drill machining unit is displayed with the highlighted USEL. Furthermore, even if a machining unit is not selected in the unit selection window WIN1, a tool sequence can also be selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2. In this case, a machining unit corresponding to the selected tool sequence is selected in the unit selection window WIN1, and the selected portion corresponding to the machining unit may be highlighted in the CG display window DIS.

[0075] Referring further to FIG. 10 , the editing window 30 of the primary machining program 157a has an edit button BU1 in the unit selection window WIN1 and an edit button BU2 in the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When a machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1 and the edit button BU1 is pressed, a screen for editing the parameters between the unit number (UNo.) and sequence number (Sno.) of that machining unit is displayed. This screen is a well-known graphical user interface (GUI) such as a text box, and therefore will not be described here. When a tool sequence is selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2 and the edit button BU2 is pressed, a list of tools stored as tool information 158 with matching tool names is displayed, allowing the user to change the tool by selecting one from the list. The machining program editing computer may, for example, display the contents shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 in list format and provide a GUI that allows selection by row. For details of this interface, see, for example, FIG. 14 of WO2021-024438.

[0076] In this way, the machining program editing computer accepts an input from the user to change the tool used in a selected process (selected tool sequence) among the plurality of machining processes from the first assigned tool (the tool in the selected tool sequence in the primary machining program 157a) corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to the first selected tool (the tool selected by the GUI). In the following explanation, it is assumed that the tool specified by the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit has been changed from a tool with a nominal value of 32.A to a tool with a nominal value of 10.A.

[0077] Next, the machining program editing computer determines whether there is an improvement-requested process among the multiple machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool would make it impossible to use the second assigned tool corresponding to that process among the multiple assigned tools. To this end, the memory 152 (220) (storage device) of the machining program editing computer stores the correspondence between the selected processes and the improvement-requested processes. Data representing this correspondence is called correspondence data 163. The machining program editing computer obtains information representing the improvement-requested process from the selected process received by the input based on the correspondence, and based on the information, searches for whether the multiple machining processes include a process corresponding to the improvement-requested process.

[0078] 11 is an example of the correspondence data 163. The correspondence data 163 includes, for example, a first selected unit 163a, a first selected tool name 163b, a name change 163c, a sequence position 163d, a second selected unit 163e, and a second assigned tool name 163f. The first selected tool name 163b and the second assigned tool name 163f represent the tool names (name + machining portion) of the first selected tool and the second assigned tool, respectively. However, for tool sequences without a machining portion definition, only the name is described. The machining program editing computer determines whether both the tool name represented as the first selected tool name 163b and the tool name represented as the second assigned tool name 163f exist in the tool sequences within the same machining unit. If both exist, the machining program editing computer determines whether the nominal diameter of the first selected tool has changed as indicated by the nominal change 163c, and if so, specifically determines whether the second assigned tool is available. A specific method for this determination will be described later. If the second assigned tool is unavailable, the machining program editing computer determines that the tool sequence in which the second assigned tool is set is an improvement-requesting process.

[0079] The first selected unit 163a, sequence position 163d, and second selected unit 163e are used to determine whether or not there is a process requiring improvement in the tool sequence of a different machining unit. The first selected unit 163a represents a machining unit including a selected process. The second selected unit 163e defines a machining unit including a tool sequence in which the initially assigned tool (second assigned tool) may become unusable if the first assigned tool is changed to the first selected tool. When there are multiple such machining units, they are separated by a delimiter ( / ). This notation method is an example, and the correspondence data 163 may be in any format that allows similar management.

[0080] The sequence position 163d represents the positional relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a). When this parameter is set to "after", the second selected unit 163e is written after the first selected unit 163a in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a). When this parameter is set to "before", the second selected unit 163e is written before the first selected unit 163a in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a).

[0081] 11 , the relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, both of which have a sequence position set to "later," shows that the first selected unit 163a is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion opening into which a tool used in the second selected unit 163e is inserted. The second selected unit 163e is a side enlargement process for inserting the tool into the insertion opening formed in the first selected unit 163a and cutting the side of the insertion opening. The drill tool sequence set in the first selected tool name 163b, which does not have the first selected unit 163a or the second selected unit 163e, is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion opening into which an end mill used in the subsequent end mill tool sequence or a boring tool used in the boring tool sequence is inserted. The end mill tool sequence and the boring tool sequence are side enlargement processes for inserting an end mill or a boring tool into the insertion opening formed in the drill tool sequence and cutting the side of the insertion opening, respectively. The end mill tool sequence set in the first selected tool name 163b without the setting of the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a boring tool to be used in the subsequent boring tool sequence is inserted. The boring tool sequence is a side enlargement process for inserting a boring tool into the insertion port formed in the end mill tool sequence and cutting the side of the insertion port.

[0082] Therefore, the selected process can be said to include a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool used in the improvement request process is inserted. The improvement request process can be said to include a side surface enlargement process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side surface of the insertion port. It can also be said that the tool used to form the insertion port is a drilling tool (e.g., a drill) or an end mill, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is at least one of a turning tool, a grooving tool, an end mill, and a boring tool. The turning tool may be a drill, an end mill, or something like a dragon diamond core drill. Alternatively, it can be said that the tool used to form the insertion port is a grooving tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is a turning tool.

[0083] 11 , the relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, both of which have a sequence position set to “before,” shows that the second selected unit 163e is a pre-machining step in which an insertion opening into which a tool used by the first selected unit 163a is inserted is formed. The first selected unit 163a is a side enlargement step in which a tool is inserted into the insertion opening formed in the pre-machining step and the side of the insertion opening is cut. Note that the drilling tool sequence set as the second assigned tool name 163f, which does not have the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, is a pre-machining step in which an insertion opening into which a boring tool used in the subsequent boring tool sequence is inserted is formed. The boring tool sequence set as the first selected tool name 163b, which does not have the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, is a side enlargement step in which a boring tool is inserted into the insertion opening formed in the drilling tool sequence and the side of the insertion opening is cut. Therefore, the improvement-requested process can be said to include a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool used in the selected process is inserted. The selected process can be said to include a side surface enlarging process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side surface of the insertion port.

[0084] When a tool name represented as the second assigned tool name 163f exists in the tool sequence in the second selected unit 163e located at the position specified by the sequence position 163d, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool in the tool sequence of the machining unit that is executed later, either the first selected unit 163a or the second selected unit 163e, passes through the cut portion that is cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit that is executed earlier, either the first selected unit 163a or the second selected unit 163e.

[0085] If the tool passes through, the machining program editing computer determines whether the nominal diameter of the first selected tool has changed as indicated by the nominal change 163c, and if so, specifically determines whether the second assigned tool is available. A specific method for this determination will be described later. If the second assigned tool is unavailable, the machining program editing computer determines that the tool sequence in which the second assigned tool is set is an improvement-required process.

[0086] In this case, assume that the tool specified by the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit in the primary machining program 157a of FIG. 4 has been changed from a turning drill with a nominal size of 32.A to a turning drill with a nominal size of 10.A. The changed tool is a "turning drill end face," and the machining unit containing this tool sequence is the "turning drill" machining unit. Because the turning drill machining unit contains only one tool sequence, the machining program editing computer refers to the correspondence data 163 and searches for whether a bar stock / copy machining unit exists after the "turning drill" machining unit. When the "bar stock" machining unit is found after the "turning drill" machining unit in the primary machining program 157a, the machining program editing computer next determines whether there is a tool sequence in the bar stock machining unit that includes a tool with the tool name "turning." If it determines that there is a tool sequence in the bar stock machining unit that includes a tool with the tool name "turning," the machining program editing computer determines whether the machining part parameter of the bar stock machining unit is "internal diameter." The reason is that the machining part parameter of the bar machining unit is "inner diameter", which means that the "turning inner diameter" tool of the bar machining unit passes through the hole drilled by the "turning drill" mentioned earlier.

[0087] The tool with the rough machining tool sequence name 10.A and the tool with the finish machining tool sequence name 10.I satisfy all of these conditions, so the machining program editing computer determines whether or not these two tools are usable based on whether or not they satisfy the above-mentioned [Condition 10].

[0088] 6, the nominal designation of the "turning drill" has been changed to 10.A, so the machining diameter Dr1 = 10.0 mm. On the other hand, when the tool information 158 in FIG. 8 is referenced, the minimum machining diameter MR1 is 12.5 for both the turning tool with the nominal designation 10.A and the turning tool with the nominal designation 10.I. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that neither the turning tool with the nominal designation 10.A nor the turning tool with the nominal designation 10.I can be used. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the rough machining tool sequence and the finish machining tool sequence are processes requiring improvement. In this way, if the size of the insertion opening (drill hole) formed by the first selected tool (turning drill with nominal designation 10.A) is smaller than the size of the insertion opening (drill hole) formed by the first assigned tool (turning drill with nominal designation 32.A), and the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal designation 10.A, 10.I) cannot be inserted into the insertion opening, the machining program editing computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0089] Thus, when an improvement-required process exists, the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal designations 10.A and 10.I) to a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion slot formed by the first selected tool (turning drill with nominal designation 10.A). Specifically, the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the rough cutting tool sequence from the tool with nominal designation 10.A to a tool that can be used in the rough cutting tool sequence. A tool that can be used in the rough cutting tool sequence is one that satisfies all of the above [Conditions 7] to [Condition 11], and in the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, the tool with nominal designation 5.A corresponds to this. In other words, the turning tool with nominal designation 5.A corresponds to the second selected tool. Note that if there are multiple tools that satisfy these conditions, the machining program editing computer selects the tool with the largest minimum cutting diameter MR1 (the tool with the smallest change in minimum cutting diameter MR1).

[0090] Similarly, the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the finishing tool sequence from a tool with a nominal size of 10.1 to a tool available in the finishing tool sequence. A tool available in the finishing tool sequence satisfies all of the above conditions 7 to 11. In the example shown in FIG. 8, this corresponds to a tool with a nominal size of 5.G. In other words, the turning tool with a nominal size of 5.G corresponds to the second selected tool. FIG. 12 shows the secondary machining program 157b modified as described above. In FIG. 12, the portions of the secondary machining program 157b modified from the primary machining program 157a are highlighted in white. Once the process requiring improvement is determined, the machining program editing computer preferably modifies the start point-X parameter of the shape sequence to 10.0 to match the nominal size of the first selected tool (a turning drill with a nominal size of 10.A).

[0091] Furthermore, the machining program editing computer can display the cut shape before and after the tool change on the display 154 (240). Figure 5 is an example of a display of the cut shape before the tool change. As shown in Figure 5, the machining program editing computer calculates the first cut shape (CP1 in Figure 5) to be cut by the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal diameter 10.A or 10.I) and displays the first cut shape on the display 154 (240). Figure 13 is an example of a display of the cut shape after the tool change. In Figure 13, Dr2 corresponds to the nominal diameter 10.A of the changed turning drill. The area IH2 shown with polka dots indicates the area to be cut by the changed turning drill. The area CP2 shown with dashed hatching indicates the area to be cut by the changed bar internal diameter machining unit. As shown in Figure 13, the machining program editing computer calculates the second cut shape (CP2) to be cut in the improvement request process based on the change in the improvement request process (the two tool sequences of the bar material inner diameter machining unit), and displays the second cut shape on the display 154 (240).

[0092] Furthermore, when there is no process requiring improvement, the machining program editing computer generates a machining program (secondary machining program 157b) in which a first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to a first selected tool. When there is a process requiring improvement, the machining program editing computer generates a machining program (secondary machining program 157b) in which a first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to a first selected tool and a second assigned tool is modified to a second selected tool.

[0093] As another example, consider a case where the program shown in Figure 12 is a primary machining program 157a, and the user changes the tool in the rough machining tool sequence to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A and the tool in the finish machining tool sequence to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.I via the interface described above. In this case, the selected process corresponds to each of the rough machining tool sequence and the finish machining tool sequence. When the selected process is the rough machining tool sequence, the first assigned tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.A, and the first selected tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A. When the selected process is the finish machining tool sequence, the first assigned tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.G, and the first selected tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.I.

[0094] At this time, the machining program editing computer refers to the correspondence data 163 as shown in FIG. 11. When the first selected tool name 163b is "turning, inner diameter," it confirms that an improvement-required process exists if a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a tool sequence of "grooving, inner diameter" exists before the tool sequence. Next, the machining program editing computer searches whether a "bar stock inner diameter machining unit" including a tool sequence set with the first selected tool includes a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a tool sequence of "grooving, inner diameter." In the machining program shown in FIG. 12, neither a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" nor a tool sequence of "grooving, inner diameter" exists in the "bar stock inner diameter machining unit." Therefore, the machining program editing computer searches whether a turning drill machining unit including a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a groove machining unit including a tool sequence of "grooving, inner diameter" exists before the "bar stock inner diameter machining unit." 12, the machining program editing computer detects the turning drill machining unit with unit number 11 including the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" in this way. Note that when the first selected tool name 163b is "turning bore", it means that the turning tool specified by the first selected tool name 163b passes through a hole drilled by the turning drill specified by "turning drill end face" of the turning drill machining unit.

[0095] Next, the machining program editing computer determines whether the turning drill (second assigned tool) with a designation of 10.A is available for use, based on whether the above [Condition 10] is met. Because the designations of the "turning tools" have been changed to 10.A and 10.I, the minimum machining diameter MR1 for both of these tools is 12.5. On the other hand, because the designation of the "turning drill" is 10.A, the machining diameter Dr1 = 10.0m. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the turning drill with a designation of 10.A is no longer available. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the turning drill machining unit with unit number 11, which includes the tool sequence for "turning drill end face," is a process requiring improvement. In this way, if the first selected tool (turning tool with designation 10.A, 10.I) is larger than the first assigned tool (turning tool with designation 5.A, 5.I) and therefore cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the machining program editing computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0096] Thus, when a process requiring improvement exists, the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool (a turning drill with a nominal designation of 10.A) to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to accommodate the first selected tool (a turning tool with a nominal designation of 10.A or 10.I). A tool available in the "turning drill end face" tool sequence is one that satisfies all of the above [Conditions 1] through [Condition 5] and [Condition 10]. In the example shown in FIG. 6, for example, the turning drill with a nominal designation of 32.A corresponds to this. In other words, the turning drill with a nominal designation of 32.A corresponds to the second selected tool. Note that if there are multiple tools that satisfy these conditions, the machining program editing computer selects the tool with the smallest minimum machining diameter MR1 (the tool with the smallest change in minimum machining diameter MR1 before and after the change). Furthermore, once the turning drill nominal value 32.A has been determined, the machining program editing computer preferably modifies the start point -X parameter of the shape sequence of the bar internal diameter machining unit to 32.0 to match the nominal value 32.A of the second selected tool (turning drill). <Processing Characteristics for Machining Programs Including a Grooving Tool> Figure 14 shows an example of a machining program 157 including a groove tool. For ease of explanation, the program in Figure 14 will be described below as being provided after the bar machining unit with unit number 12 in Figure 4. Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining the cut shape and the groove tool shape according to the machining program 157 in Figure 14.

[0097] Unit number (UNo.) 13 in Figure 14 indicates a machining unit using a groove tool to further machine the outer surface of the hole machined by the code in Figure 4. Unit number (UNo.) 14 indicates a machining unit that machines the side surface of the hole machined by the groove tool. Hereinafter, the machining unit with unit number 13 will be referred to as the groove machining unit, and the machining unit with unit number 14 will be referred to as the bar stock internal diameter machining unit. The groove machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F1 and a shape sequence consisting of start point-X, start point-Z, end point-X, and end point-Z in Figure 1. The bar stock internal diameter machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) R1, a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F2, and a shape sequence representing the taper pattern in Figure 1.

[0098] The grooving unit includes, between the unit number (UNo.) and sequence number (Sno.), machining unit parameters, groove shape pattern definition parameters, groove number parameters, groove pitch parameters, groove width parameters, and finishing allowance parameters that are commonly used in the tool sequence and shape sequence. The machining unit parameters are parameters that determine whether the workpiece W1's right flat end face, left flat end face, outer diameter end face of the workpiece W1, or the side ("inner diameter") of the hole drilled in the workpiece W1 will be machined. The groove shape pattern definition parameter ("pattern") is a parameter that defines the shape to be cut by the grooving tool. The cross-sectional shape VG1 of this cut shape in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A2 is shown by a polka dot pattern in Figure 15. The groove number parameter ("number") is a parameter that determines how many grooves of the shape defined by the groove shape pattern definition parameter will be formed at the location defined by the machining unit parameters. The groove pitch parameter ("pitch") is a parameter that defines the spacing between grooves when the groove number parameter is set to multiple. The groove width parameter is the length of the groove width indicated by Wg in Figure 15. The finish allowance parameter is the machining allowance in finish machining. In this machining unit, there is no rough machining and all machining is finish machining, so input of the finish allowance parameter is omitted.

[0099] The tool sequence of the groove machining unit is a tool sequence for finish machining. This tool sequence includes, for example, tool parameters, nominal parameters, pattern parameters, depth of cut 1 parameters, peripheral speed parameters, and feed parameters. This tool sequence is a tool sequence for finish machining. The tool parameters specify a groove tool for groove machining. The nominal parameters include a nominal diameter ("10.0") and a suffix ("A"). The suffix is ​​used to distinguish between multiple tools with the same tool parameters and nominal diameter. The depth of cut 1 parameter indicates the maximum depth of cut in the X-axis direction cut in one stroke. The pattern parameters define the tool path for each stroke. In this example, in the first stroke, the cutting edge is moved to the cut start point, then moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 at a cutting depth within the depth of cut 1 parameter, and then returned to the cut start point. In subsequent strokes, the cutting edge is again moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 at a cutting depth within the cutting depth 1 parameter, thereby cutting to the final required groove depth. Furthermore, if the groove width Wg is longer than the cutting edge width BW1 (see Figure 15), the cutting edge is shifted in the Z-axis direction and a similar stroke is repeated. The tool path shown above is set as the set tool path. Note that various other tool paths may be set as the set tool path. Such tool paths are automatically set in the tool sequence for finish machining. The peripheral speed parameter represents the rotational speed of the first spindle 122 holding the workpiece W1. The feed parameter represents the moving speed when the groove cutting tool is moved linearly in the X-axis direction, etc.

[0100] The bar machining unit with unit number 14 in Figure 14 has the same parameters as the bar machining unit with unit number 12 in Figure 4, except for the shape sequence, so only the shape sequence will be described. The hatched area TC in Figure 15 represents the shape defined by this shape sequence. The hatched area TC represents the cross-sectional shape of the workpiece cut by the bar machining unit with unit number 14, taken in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A2. Point A in Figure 15 represents the cut start point and is defined by (cut-X / 2, cut-Z). Point B in Figure 15 is defined by (start point -X / 2, start point -Z). Point C in Figure 15 is defined by (end point -X / 2, end point -Z). The hatched area TC is defined by a trapezoid consisting of four points: points A, B, C, and (cut-X / 2, start point -Z).

[0101] The machining program generation computer selects the optimal grooving tool for the tool set in the tool sequence of the grooving machining unit. Figure 16 shows an example of tool information 158 for a grooving tool. As shown in Figure 16, the tool information 158 for a turning tool includes a T number (T No.), pocket number (P No.), tool name (name + machining location), and nominal size + suffix. Furthermore, the tool information includes the corresponding tool parameters (dimensions), such as tool length A, tool length B, tool width, rotation direction, cutting edge R, groove depth, cutting edge width, minimum cutting diameter, tool material, and application (roughing / finishing). Most of these parameters are the same as those for a turning tool, with the exception of groove depth and cutting edge width. The groove depth corresponds to length BH1 in Figure 15. The cutting edge width corresponds to length BW1 in Figure 15. In FIG. 15, the tool length A, tool length B, tool width, and minimum machining diameter of the grooving tool are represented as Ht2, Wt2, Dt2, and MR2, respectively.

[0102] The machining program generation computer may select and set an optimal grooving tool based on, for example, the following conditions 14 to 20: [Condition 14] The material of the tool is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 15] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction of the tool are matched to the direction of tool movement. [Condition 16] The tool length A (Ht2) is greater than the machining depth DEP2. [Condition 17] The minimum machining diameter MR2 is smaller than the machining diameter Dr2 formed by the bar unit with unit number 12. [Condition 18] The tool is suitable for the rough machining and finish machining purposes of the program. [Condition 19] The cutting edge width BW1 is shorter than the groove width Wg. More specifically, the cutting edge width BW1 is formed to a length capable of forming the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern. [Condition 20] The groove depth BH1 is shorter than the groove height Wh = |(end point - X / 2) - (start point - X / 2)|.

[0103] The machining program generation computer may select and set the optimum turning tool for the bar machining unit of unit number 14 based on the above [Conditions 7] to [Conditions 11] as well as [Conditions 12] and [Conditions 13]. [Condition 12] Minor cutting angle γ t1 is smaller than arctan(Wh / Wg). In other words, Wgtanγ t1 The minor cutting angle γ is set so that t1 is set. As a result, even when the cutting edge of the turning tool is in contact with the inside corner Ci, the turning tool does not come into contact with the outside corner Co. [Condition 13] Cutting angle β t1 is larger than the angle θ in Fig. 15. When the opposite side of the cross-sectional shape VG1 is also machined by the grooving unit (shown by the dotted line area VG2 in Fig. 15), the cutting edge angle β is set so that the turning tool does not come into contact with the outer corner Coe even when the cutting edge of the turning tool comes into contact with the inner corner Cie. t1 is greater than the angle φ in FIG.

[0104] The machining program generation computer sets the tool with the nominal number 10.A in the tool sequence of the grooving tool unit as the assigned tool based on [Condition 14] to [Condition 20]. The machining program generation computer selects the tool with the nominal number 10.A of T number 10 that meets the conditions for rough machining of the bar stock inner diameter machining unit as the assigned tool based on [Condition 14] to [Condition 20]. The machining program generation computer selects the tool with the nominal number 10.I of T number 10 that meets the conditions for finish machining of the bar stock inner diameter machining unit as the assigned tool.

[0105] Next, the processing of the machining program editing computer will be explained using the above-mentioned interface, taking as an example a case where the turning tool used in the rough machining tool sequence is changed from a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G. In this example, the rough machining tool sequence corresponds to the selected process, the original turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A corresponds to the first assigned tool, and the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G corresponds to the first selected tool. First, the machining program editing computer references the correspondence data 163, and if the first selected tool name 163b is "Turning, Internal Diameter," which is the tool name of a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G, it confirms that an improvement-required process exists if a tool sequence with a "Turning Drill, End Face" or a tool sequence with a "Grooving, Internal Diameter" exists before that tool sequence.

[0106] Next, the machining program editing computer searches whether the "bar stock internal diameter machining unit" including the tool sequence set with the first selected tool includes a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a tool sequence of "grooving internal diameter." In the machining program shown in Figure 14, neither the tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" nor the tool sequence of "grooving internal diameter" exists in the bar stock internal diameter machining unit of unit number 14, so the machining program editing computer searches whether either a turning drill machining unit including a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a grooving machining unit including a tool sequence of "grooving internal diameter" exists before the bar stock internal diameter machining unit.

[0107] In this machining program, both a turning drilling machining unit and a grooving machining unit are present. In this case, the machining program editing computer searches for a "grooving inner diameter" tool sequence in a "grooving machining unit" closer to the bar material inner diameter machining unit with unit number 14. "Closer" here can be determined based on the number of other machining units between the referencing machining unit and the referenced machining unit. In the case of the machining program shown in FIG. 14 , the machining program editing computer detects the grooving machining unit with unit number 13, which includes a "grooving inner diameter" tool sequence. The machining program editing computer determines that the cutting start point (point A in FIG. 15 ), determined by (cutting depth -X / 2, cut depth -Z) of the "bar material inner diameter machining unit," is in contact with the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern of the grooving machining unit. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the turning tool with a nominal size of 10.A of the bar material machining unit to be executed later will pass through the hole drilled by the groove tool specified by the "grooving inner diameter" of the groove machining unit to be executed earlier.

[0108] Then, the machining program editing computer makes a specific judgment as to whether the second assigned tool is available or not, since the nominal diameter of the first selected tool has increased as represented by the nominal change 163c. Specifically, the machining program editing computer judges whether or not [Condition 7] to [Condition 13] are satisfied. At this time, the minor cutting angle γ t1 is 180°-95°-55°=30°, and if the original groove machining unit is used, Wgtanγ t1= 1.732..<Wh = 2. Therefore, Condition 12 is not met, and unless the groove width Wg of the tool sequence of the groove machining unit is changed, the turning tool with nominal 10.G becomes unusable. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the tool sequence of the groove machining unit is an improvement-required process. In this case, the groove tool with nominal 10.A corresponds to the second assigned tool. In other words, the machining program editing computer determines whether there is an improvement-required process among the multiple machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool would make the first selected tool unusable unless the set tool path of the second assigned tool corresponding to that process among the multiple assigned tools is changed. The set tool path is a tool path defined by the groove width parameter and the pattern parameter of the tool sequence with sequence number F1.

[0109] In this way, when there is a process requiring improvement, the machining program editing computer changes the tool path of the second assigned tool (grooving tool) so that the first selected tool can be used. Specifically, the machining program editing computer changes the groove width parameter of the groove machining unit to 4.0. In this way, Wgtanγ t1 = 2.309.. > Wh = 2.0, and [Condition 12] is met. This groove width parameter must be set so that the product shape remains constant even when it is changed. Therefore, if the product shape changes when the groove width parameter is changed, the shape sequence of the groove machining unit must also be changed. In this example, the groove shape pattern is "2," and the polka-dot hatched shape sequence (Start Point -X / 2, Start Point -Z) (End Point -X / 2, End Point -Z) specifies only the right edge of the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern, so there is no need to change the shape sequence of the groove machining unit. Furthermore, in conjunction with the change in the groove width parameter, the cut-Z parameter of the bar machining unit is changed to correspond to the point corresponding to the corner of the notched portion in the groove machining unit.

[0110] Furthermore, the machining program editing computer preferably changes the tool (grooving tool) used in the improvement-requested process from the second assigned tool (grooving tool with a nominal size of 10.A) to the second selected tool available in the improvement-requested process. The tool available in the "grooving inner diameter" tool sequence is one that satisfies all of the above conditions 12, 14, and 20, and is preferably one with the largest cutting edge width BW1. This is because it allows for a reduction in the number of strokes. In the example shown in Figure 16, for example, a grooving tool with a nominal size of 10.G corresponds to this. This cutting edge width BW1 corresponds to the length of the upper base of the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern. Figure 17 shows the secondary machining program 157b modified in this manner. In Figure 17, the portions of the secondary machining program 157b modified from the primary machining program 157a are highlighted in white.

[0111] As another example, consider the case where the program shown in FIG. 17 is the primary machining program 157a, and the user changes the nominal 10.G grooving tool to a nominal 10.A grooving tool and changes the groove width parameter to 3.0 via the interface described above. This groove width parameter change can be performed, for example, by pressing the edit button BU1 in the unit selection window WIN1 in FIG. 10 and changing the groove width parameter in the GUI. Alternatively, the machining program editing program 159 may have a function to automatically change the groove width parameter along with the modification of the grooving tool. In this case, the selected process corresponds to the tool sequence of the grooving machining unit. The first assigned tool corresponds to the nominal 10.G grooving tool, and the first selected tool corresponds to the nominal 10.A grooving tool. Changing the groove width parameter corresponds to changing the tool path of the grooving tool. In other words, the machining program editing computer accepts input from the user to change the tool path of the tool (grooving tool) used in a selected process (tool sequence of the groove machining unit) among multiple machining processes from the set tool path of the tool (tool path when the groove width is 4.0) to the selected tool path (tool path when the groove width is 3.0).

[0112] Next, the machining program editing computer determines whether there is an improvement-required process among the multiple machining processes other than the selected process (the tool sequence of the grooving machining unit) in which changing to the selected tool path (the tool path for a groove width of 3.0) would make it impossible to use the second assigned tool corresponding to that process among the multiple assigned tools. Specifically, if the first selected tool name 163b is "grooving, inner diameter", which is a grooving tool with a nominal value of 10.A, it is confirmed that there is an improvement-required process if there is a tool sequence of "turning, inner diameter" after that tool sequence.

[0113] In this machining program, there is a tool sequence of "turning bore diameter" with unit number 14 after the groove machining unit. Therefore, the machining program editing computer searches whether there is a tool sequence of "turning bore diameter" in the "bar machining unit" with unit number 14. In the case of the machining program shown in Fig. 14, the machining program editing computer detects the bar machining unit with unit number 14 that includes the tool sequence of "turning bore diameter" in this way.

[0114] Next, the machining program editing computer determines that the cutting start point (point A in Figure 5) determined by (cutting depth -X / 2, cutting depth -Z) of the "bar stock internal diameter machining unit" is in contact with the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern of the grooving machining unit before the tool path change (when the tool path is for a groove width of 4.0), and therefore the turning tool with a nominal size of 10.G of the bar stock machining unit to be executed later will pass through the hole opened by the grooving tool specified by the "grooving internal diameter" of the grooving machining unit to be executed earlier. Therefore, the turning tool with a nominal size of 10.G corresponds to the second assigned tool.

[0115] Therefore, the machining program editing computer next refers to the nominal change 163c. Here, the nominal change 163c being "small" refers to the size of the opening formed by the tool path regardless of the nominal diameter of the first selected tool. In this case, the machining program editing computer determines that a change represented by the nominal change 163c has occurred if the size of the groove width parameter has decreased. In this example, since the groove width parameter has decreased from 4.0 to 3.0, the machining program editing computer determines that a change represented by the nominal change 163c has occurred.

[0116] Since the change represented by the nominal change 163c has occurred, the machining program editing computer makes a specific determination as to whether the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal 10.G) is available. A tool that can be used in the tool sequence for "turning, inner diameter" is a tool that satisfies all of the above [Condition 7] to [Condition 13]. As mentioned above, Wgtanγ t1 = 1.732 < Wh = 2, so [Condition 12] is not met. Therefore, the second assigned tool (a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G) cannot be used, and the machining program editing computer determines the tool sequence with sequence number R1 of the bar machining unit with unit number 14 as the process requiring improvement.

[0117] When an improvement request process (tool sequence with sequence number R1) exists, the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the improvement request process (tool sequence with sequence number R1) from the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal 10.G) to the second selected tool (turning tool with nominal 10.A) that can be used in the improvement request process (tool sequence with sequence number R1). At this time, the minor cutting angle γ t1 is 180°-95°-50°=35°, and Wgtanγ t1 = 2.100..>Wh = 2, so [Condition 12] is met. Since the other parameters are also the same as No. 10.A, [Condition 7] to [Condition 13] are met. In this case, the machining program editing computer may also display the cut shape before and after the tool change on the display 154 (240).

[0118] 17, when the turning tool (nominal 10.G) is replaced with a larger turning tool, if the turning tool can be inserted into the insertion opening formed by the grooving tool by changing only the groove width parameter without changing the grooving tool, only the groove width parameter may be changed. In this case, only the tool path of the grooving tool is changed.

[0119] 14 to 17 illustrate the machining of the inner diameter of a hole drilled in a workpiece W1. However, the examples of FIGS. 14 to 17 can also be applied to machining the outer periphery (outer diameter) or end face of a workpiece, except for the differences in the tool selection conditions described below. When machining the outer periphery (outer diameter) or end face of a workpiece, interference between the hole wall and the tool does not need to be considered. Therefore, a turning tool is selected to satisfy [Condition 7], [Condition 8], and [Conditions 11] to [Condition 13], and a grooving tool is selected to satisfy [Condition 14], [Condition 15], and [Conditions 18] to [Condition 20]. <Method for Generating Secondary Machining Program 157b Using Machining Program Editing Program 159> Next, a method for supporting the generation of a machining program 157 using the machining program editing program 159 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the machining program generation support method. In step S1 of FIG. 18, the machining program editing computer sets multiple assigned tools for multiple machining processes. In step S2, the machining program editing computer sets the tool paths of each of the multiple assigned tools as set tool paths. This is realized, for example, by the machining program editing computer reading the primary machining program 157a generated by the machining program generation computer. However, the data read by the machining program editing computer does not have to be the primary machining program 157a, and may be intermediate processing data in which only the tools and tool paths are defined.

[0120] In step S3, the machining program editing computer accepts a correction input for the selected process using the editing window 30 of the primary machining program 157a as shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, in step S3A in Fig. 19, the machining program editing computer accepts an input for changing the first assigned tool of the selected process to the first selected tool using the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When the input is accepted (Yes in step S3A), in step S3B, the machining program editing computer stores the selected first selected tool and the first selected unit 163a in the memory 152 (220) (storage device). If there is no input to change the first assigned tool to the first selected tool (step S3A is No), in step S3B of Fig. 19, the machining program editing computer accepts input to change the set tool path of the selected process to the selected tool path using the unit selection window WIN1 (e.g., editing the groove width parameter of the groove machining unit) or the tool sequence selection window WIN2 (e.g., editing the machining hole diameter parameter of the end mill tool sequence). If the input is accepted (step S3C is Yes), in step S3D, the machining program editing computer stores the machining unit of the process corresponding to the selected tool path as the first selected unit 163a and the tool of that process as the first selected tool in the memory 152 (220) (storage device).

[0121] In step S4, the machining program editing computer searches for a second assigned tool name 163f and a sequence position 163d corresponding to the first selected tool name 163b of the selected process from the correspondence data 163. If there are multiple second assigned tool names 163f and sequence positions 163d corresponding to the first selected tool name 163b of the selected process, the machining program editing computer extracts all of the corresponding second assigned tool names 163f and sequence positions 163d.

[0122] In step S5, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not there is a first selected tool name 163b whose sequence position 163d is "before" among the second assigned tool names 163f extracted in step S4. If there is no first selected tool name 163b whose sequence position 163d is "before" (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S7. If there is a first selected tool name 163b whose sequence position 163d is "before" (Yes in step S5), in step S6, the machining program editing computer sets the search direction to "forward" and executes step S10. In step S7, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not there is a first selected tool name 163b whose sequence position 163d is "after" among the second assigned tool names 163f extracted in step S4. If there is no first selected tool name 163b with the sequence position 163d being "later" (No in step S7), in step S9 the machining program editing computer outputs the primary machining program 157a, or if the primary machining program 157a has been modified in step S10, the secondary machining program 157b. If there is a first selected tool name 163b with the sequence position 163d being "later" (Yes in step S7), in step S8 the machining program editing computer sets the search direction to "later" and executes step S10.

[0123] In step S11 of FIG. 20, the machining program editing computer sequentially searches for tool sequences in the same machining unit as the selected process, starting from the selected process in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8. In step S12, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool name of the searched tool sequence matches the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d in the same direction as the search direction. For example, when the selected process is a tool sequence for a groove machining unit and the search direction is "forward," the computer determines whether the second assigned tool name 163f at the "forward" sequence position 163d matches either the tool name for "turning, inner diameter" or the tool name for "turning drill, end face." If there is a match (Yes in step S12), the computer proceeds to step S22 of FIG. 21. If there is no match (No in step S12), in step S13, the machining program editing computer determines whether all tool sequences have been searched in the search direction within the machining unit in which the selected process exists, and if all tool sequences have not been searched (No in step S13), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations of steps S11 to S13 until all tool sequences have been searched.

[0124] In step S22 of FIG. 21 , the machining program editing computer determines a tool in a tool sequence whose tool name matches the second assigned tool name as the second assigned tool. Note that in the correspondence data 163, depending on the selected process, multiple second assigned tool names 163f are defined whose sequence positions are the same as those of the selected process. However, in step S22, the tool whose tool name matches the second assigned tool name and whose tool sequence is closest to the selected process is determined as the second assigned tool in order. If the search direction is forward (Yes in step S23), the machining program editing computer then determines in step S24 whether the size of the first selected tool is larger than that of the first assigned tool. If the size of the first selected tool is larger than that of the first assigned tool, this means that the nominal diameter of the tool is larger, the cutting edge width BW1 of the grooving tool is larger, or the minor cutting angle γ of the turning tool is larger. t1 This means that either

[0125] If the search direction is backward (No in step S23), the machining program editing computer determines in step S25 whether the size of the insertion opening machined by the first selected tool is smaller than the size of the insertion opening machined by the first assigned tool. If the size of the first selected tool is larger than the size of the first assigned tool, this means that the nominal diameter of the tool is larger, the cutting edge width BW1 of the grooving tool is larger, or the minor cutting angle γ of the turning tool is larger. t1 This means that either the size of the first selected tool will not be larger than the size of the first assigned tool (No in step S24) or the size of the insertion opening machined by the first selected tool will not be smaller than the size of the insertion opening machined by the first assigned tool (No in step S25), the process returns to step S11. When the size of the first selected tool will be larger than the size of the first assigned tool (Yes in step S24) or the size of the insertion opening machined by the first selected tool will be smaller than the size of the insertion opening machined by the first assigned tool (Yes in step S25), the machining program editing computer performs the following process depending on the type of tool that will be used first, either the first selected tool or the second assigned tool (step S26).

[0126] When the tool used first in step S26 is a turning drill, the machining program editing computer determines in step S30 of Fig. 22 whether the turning tool used in the machining unit executed later satisfies the above-mentioned [Condition 10]. If [Condition 10] is met (Yes in step S30), the process returns to step S11. If [Condition 10] is not met (No in step S30), in step S31, the machining program editing computer determines a tool sequence including a second assigned tool as the improvement-requesting process. If the improvement-requesting process is a tool sequence including a turning tool (Yes in step S32), the machining program editing computer determines in step S33 a second selected tool that is a turning tool that meets [Condition 7] to [Condition 11] and has a size smaller than the turning tool that is the second assigned tool. When the improvement request process is a tool sequence including a turning drill (No in step S32), in step S34, the machining program editing computer determines a second selected tool which is a turning drill that meets [Condition 1] to [Condition 5] and [Condition 10] and has a size larger than the size of the turning drill that is the second assigned tool.

[0127] When the tool used first in step S26 is a groove tool, the machining program editing computer determines in step S40 of FIG. 23 whether the turning tool used in the machining unit executed later satisfies the above-mentioned [Condition 12]. If [Condition 12] is satisfied (Yes in step S40), the process returns to step S11. If [Condition 12] is not satisfied (No in step S40), in step S41, the machining program editing computer determines a tool sequence including a second assigned tool as the improvement-requesting process. If the improvement-requesting process is a tool sequence including a turning tool (Yes in step S42), the machining program editing computer determines in step S43 a second selected tool, which is a turning tool having a shape satisfying [Conditions 7] to [Condition 13], to replace the turning tool that is the second assigned tool. When the improvement-requesting process is a tool sequence including a grooving tool (No in step S42), the machining program editing computer determines in step S44 a tool path (groove width parameter) of a grooving tool, which is a second assigned tool, that satisfies [Condition 12]. In step S45, the machining program editing computer determines whether a grooving tool better than the second assigned tool exists. This is done by determining whether a second selected tool exists that satisfies [Condition 14] to [Condition 20] and has a cutting edge width larger than that of the grooving tool, which is the second assigned tool. If such a tool exists (No in step S45), in step S46, the machining program editing computer determines a second selected tool that satisfies [Condition 14] to [Condition 20] and [Condition 12] and has a cutting edge width larger than that of the grooving tool, which is the second assigned tool.

[0128] 20 , when any of steps S33, S34, S43, and S46 is completed, or when S45 is completed without executing S46 (No in S45), the machining program editing computer calculates a first cut shape to be cut by the second assigned tool in step S18 of FIG. 20 , displays the first cut shape on the display 154 (240), calculates a second cut shape to be cut in the improvement-requested process based on the change in the improvement-requested process, and displays the second cut shape on the display 154 (240). In step S19, the machining program editing computer accepts an instruction from the user to accept the modification of the improvement-requested process based on the shape displayed on the display 154 (240). If an instruction to reject the modification of the improvement-requested process is accepted (No in step S19), the machining program editing computer cancels the acceptance of step S3 in step S20. When an instruction to modify the process requiring improvement is received (Yes in step S19), the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool to the determined second selected tool and / or changes the tool path of the process requiring improvement to the determined tool path in step S21.

[0129] Returning to FIG. 20 , if it is determined that there is no tool sequence using a tool matching the second assigned tool name 163f in the same machining unit as the selected process, or that there is no unavailable second assigned tool (Yes in step S13), the machining program editing computer extracts the second selected unit 163e corresponding to the second assigned tool name 163f from the correspondence data 163 in step S14. In step S15, the machining program editing computer sequentially searches for machining units in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8, starting from the machining unit in which the selected process is located. In step S16, the machining program editing computer determines whether the searched machining unit matches the second selected unit 163e. If they match (Yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S70 in FIG. 24 . If there is no match (No in step S16), in step S17, the machining program editing computer determines whether all machining units have been searched in the search direction, and if all machining units have not been searched (No in step S17), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations from step S15 to step S17 until all machining units have been searched.

[0130] In step S70 of FIG. 24 , the machining program editing computer sequentially searches for tool sequences in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8 from the selected process using the second selected unit 163e. In step S71, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool name of the searched tool sequence matches the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d in the same direction as the search direction. For example, when the selected process is a tool sequence for a groove machining unit, if the search direction is "forward," the computer determines whether the second assigned tool name 163f at the "forward" sequence position 163d matches either the tool name for "turning, inner diameter" or the tool name for "turning drill, end face." If there is a match (Yes in step S71), in step S72, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool of the tool sequence to be executed later will pass through the part to be cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit to be executed earlier, either the first selected unit 163a or the second selected unit 163e. For example, in the relationship between a turning drill machining unit and a bar stock inner diameter machining unit, this can be determined by whether the machining location is an "inner diameter." In the relationship between a groove machining unit and a bar stock machining unit, this can be determined by whether the cutting start point of the bar stock unit is included in the groove machining diagram before the change. If the tool of the tool sequence executed later passes through the part to be cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit executed earlier (Yes in step S72), proceed to step S22' in FIG. 25. If there is no match in step S71 (No in step S71) or the tool does not pass through (No in step S72), in step S73, the machining program editing computer determines whether all tool sequences have been searched in the search direction within the second selected unit 163e. If all tool sequences have not been searched (No in step S73), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations of steps S70 to S73 until all tool sequences have been searched. If all tool sequences have been searched, return to step S15 in FIG. 20.

[0131] The content of each process from step S22' in FIG. 25 to step S46' in FIG. 27 is the same as that of steps S22 in FIG. 21 to step S46 in FIG. 23 except for the " ' ", but only the transfer destinations of the processes indicated by circles and signs are different. The transfer destinations of the processes are as shown in FIGS. 24 and 20. Specifically, when the conditions of steps S24', S25', S30', and S40' are not met, the transfer to step S70 is different from the transfer from step S22 to step S46. Therefore, a detailed description of the process is omitted. <Operation and Effect of Embodiment> The machining program generation support method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 according to this embodiment are any one of a plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, and by changing the first assigned tool of the selected process to the first selected tool, it is determined by the machining program editing computer whether there is an improvement requirement process in which the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools used in the plurality of machining processes becomes unavailable. Then, when there is an improvement requirement process, the method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to change the tool used in the improvement requirement process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement requirement process. Therefore, when changing the tool of one process of the machining program 157 composed of a plurality of machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change.

[0132] Furthermore, the machining program generation support method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 according to this embodiment cause the machining program editing computer to determine whether there is an improvement-required process in which, by changing the first assigned tool of a selected process to the first selected tool, the first selected tool becomes unavailable unless the set tool path of a second assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the multiple assigned tools used in the multiple machining processes is changed. When an improvement-required process exists, the method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to change the tool path of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool becomes available. Therefore, when changing the tool of one process in a machining program 157 consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool path of other processes affected by the change.

[0133] Furthermore, the machining program generation support method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 according to this embodiment cause the machining program editing computer to accept a user's input to change the tool path of a tool used in a selected process among multiple machining processes from a set tool path to a selected tool path. The method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to determine whether there is an improvement-requested process among multiple machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing to the selected tool path would make a second assigned tool corresponding to that process unavailable. When an improvement-requested process exists, the method, machine tool 100, and machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to change the tool used in the improvement-requested process from the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that is available in the improvement-requested process. Therefore, when changing the tool path of one process in a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change. <Modifications> The technology described in the above embodiment can also be applied to drilling a single hole while adjusting its diameter using multiple tools, such as a drill, an end mill, and a boring tool. In the above embodiment, the Finish-X, Start-X, and End-X parameters correspond to twice the X coordinate of the corresponding machining point (the diameter of the hole). However, the Finish-X, Start-X, and End-X parameters may also correspond to the X coordinate of the corresponding machining point (the radius of the hole). While the primary machining program 157a in FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which the bar machining unit includes both a roughing tool sequence and a finishing tool sequence, the roughing tool sequence may be omitted. In this case, if the nominal diameter of the turning drill unit is smaller, a roughing tool unit may be added. Furthermore, the bar machining unit with unit number 12 may be omitted, and groove machining units with unit numbers 13 and onward may be included. In this case, if the nominal diameter of the turning drill of the turning drill unit becomes small, a bar processing unit as shown in the embodiment may be added.

[0134] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0135] The terms "member," "part," "element," "body," and "structure" may have multiple meanings, such as a single part or multiple parts.

[0136] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0137] Words expressing degrees such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" can refer to reasonable deviations that do not significantly change the end result. All numerical values ​​described in this application can be interpreted to include words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0138] In this application, the phrase "at least one of A and B" should be interpreted to include A only, B only, and both A and B.

[0139] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A machining program generation support method comprising: setting a plurality of tools to be used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools in a computer; receiving input from a user to change the tool to be used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to a first selected tool; determining whether or not there is an improvement request process among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, where changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool will make it impossible to use a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools; and when the improvement request process exists, changing the tool to be used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that is usable in the improvement request process by the computer.

2. The machining program generation support method according to claim 1, further comprising having the computer calculate a first cut shape to be cut by the second assigned tool and displaying the first cut shape on a display, and having the computer calculate a second cut shape to be cut in the improvement request process based on a change in the improvement request process and displaying the second cut shape on the display.

3. A machining program generation support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selected process includes a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in the improvement request process is inserted, and the improvement request process includes a side enlargement process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side of the insertion port.

4. A machining program generation support method as described in claim 3, wherein the computer determines that the improvement-required process exists when the size of the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool is smaller than the size of the insertion opening formed by the first assigned tool, making it impossible to insert the second assigned tool into the insertion opening.

5. A machining program generation support method as described in claim 4, wherein, when the improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to the second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool.

6. A machining program generation support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the improvement request process includes a pre-machining process of forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in the selected process is inserted, and the selected process includes a side enlargement process of inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side of the insertion port.

7. The machining program generation support method according to claim 6, wherein the computer determines that the process requiring improvement exists when the first selected tool is larger than the first assigned tool and therefore cannot be inserted into the insertion slot.

8. A machining program generation support method as described in claim 7, wherein, when the improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to the second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to insert the first selected tool.

9. A machining program generation support method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the tool used to form the insertion opening is a drilling tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion opening is at least one of a turning tool and a grooving tool.

10. A machining program generation support method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the tool used to form the insertion opening is a grooving tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion opening is a turning tool.

11. A machining program generation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein having the computer determine whether or not the improvement-required process exists includes: storing a correspondence relationship between the selected process and the improvement-required process in a storage device of the computer; acquiring information representing the improvement-required process from the selected process received by the input based on the correspondence relationship; and having the computer search, based on the information, for whether or not a process corresponding to the improvement-required process is included among the plurality of machining processes.

12. A machining program generation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, when there is no improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate the machining program in which the first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool, and when there is an improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate the machining program in which the first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool and the second assigned tool is modified to the second selected tool.

13. A computer configured to execute the machining program generation support method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A machine tool equipped with a computer configured to execute the machining program generation support method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the machining program generation support method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

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