Automated CNC Toolpath Programming for Consistent Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machine programming is inconsistent and time-consuming, as it relies on human intervention, leading to variations in code generation and inefficiencies in machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automating CNC programming using a data processing system that creates a stock model, sets leads and links, determines machine and material specifications, imports tool templates, and applies specific templates like PowerMill blocks and pocketing templates to generate consistent and efficient toolpaths for machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If human programmers manually create CNC programming code, then the programming can be customized and adjusted, but the programming becomes inconsistent and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the CNC programming is generated automatically by the computer system based on design specifications, eliminating the need for manual human programming. The processor executes automated algorithms that create consistent toolpaths and machining parameters, resolving both the consistency and time consumption issues simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human programming process with an automated computer-based system. Instead of human programmers manually creating code, the system uses software algorithms and processors to generate CNC programming automatically, substituting human cognitive work with automated computational processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple programmers create CNC code for the same machine, then various perspectives and approaches can be applied, but the resulting code becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system serves as a universal programming generator that works across different machining scenarios and machine types. By using standardized algorithms and templates, the system ensures that regardless of the specific application, the same consistent rules and parameters are applied, eliminating variability between different programmers while maintaining adaptability to different machining requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains consistency by controlling and standardizing programming parameters through automated algorithms. While the underlying physics and machining requirements may vary, the system applies consistent parameter generation rules, tolerance specifications, and toolpath algorithms, ensuring reliable and uniform code output across all programming tasks.
3Ease of operation
If manual programming methods are used, then flexibility in handling complex designs is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated programming actions based on design specifications before machining begins. By pre-calculating toolpaths, selecting appropriate parameters, and generating complete programming code in advance, the system eliminates time-consuming manual programming during production, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining the flexibility to handle complex designs through automated algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a data processing system for automating programming of a computer numerical control machine to create a detail from a stock block based on design specifications for the detail. The stock block includes a plurality of sides including a left side, a right side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom. The method comprises creating a stock model from the design specifications, setting leads and links to active datum on the stock model, determining from the design specifications what machine will be used to create the detail, determining from the design specifications what material will be used to create the detail, importing tool templates for the machine and the material that will be used to create the detail, and determining whether stock needs to be removed from the left and right sides of the stock block. If it is determined that stock needs to be removed from the left and right sides of the stock block: activating a top workplane, activating a top toolpath folder, creating a PowerMill block around the stock model, wherein the PowerMill block has an X negative expanded and a Z negative expanded, applying a 12 mmZLevel template, creating a PowerMill block around the stock model, wherein the PowerMill block has an X positive expanded and a Z negative expanded, applying a 12 mmZLevel template, updating the stock model, and resetting the leads and links to the active datum.