Automatic Machining Path Generation for Optimal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NC data creation processes rely heavily on empirical knowledge, leading to suboptimal processing times due to operator experience variability, and manual database registration may not produce optimal results.
Innovation Solution
A process schedule support apparatus and method that automatically generates optimal work procedures for processing machines by integrating data from storage units, calculating removal and divided areas, and determining tool paths and processing times using mixed integer programming to minimize total processing time, independent of operator experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If NC data is created manually based on operator experience, then the processing process can be planned, but the processing time varies and may not be optimal depending on operator experience level
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic NC data creation by having the computer automatically calculate removal areas, divided areas, tool paths, and processing times based on CAD data and machine specifications, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and experience-based decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of NC data creation with an automated computational system that uses algorithms and mixed integer programming to determine optimal processing procedures, substituting human operator skills with automated intelligence
2Productivity
If NC data is registered manually in a database, then information can be stored and reused, but the registered information may not be optimal depending on the experience of the person registering it
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and stores optimal NC data in the database through automated calculation based on machine specifications and CAD data, eliminating the need for manual registration by operators with varying experience levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from storing experience-based parameters to storing machine-specification-based parameters, where NC data is generated through automated calculation using precise machine specifications and standardized algorithms rather than operator judgment
3Loss of time
If automatic machining path generation is implemented, then optimal processing procedures can be generated independently of operator experience, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the NC data creation process into distinct functional modules including removal area calculation, divided area calculation, tool path calculation, and processing time calculation, where each module handles a specific aspect of the automation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a process schedule support apparatus as an intermediary system between the CAD data and the NC data output, which mediates the automatic generation process by coordinating calculations and integrating information from multiple sources
Data Source
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AI summary
To allow an optimal work procedure using a processing machine to be automatically generated irrespective of whether or not an operator has experience relating thereto, provided is a process schedule support apparatus (20), which supports creation of control data on a processing machine, including: a removal area calculation unit (22) configured to calculate a removal area based on a difference between a product shape and a material shape; a divided area calculation unit (23) configured to generate a divided area by dividing the removal area based on a movable range of each processing machine being a candidate for performing work for removing the removal area; a tool path calculation unit (24) configured to generate tool paths, which are used to remove the divided area by respective processing machines, for each divided area; and a processing time calculation unit (25) configured to calculate a combination of the tool paths so that a time period for removing all the divided areas becomes minimum.