CAD-Based CNC Machining Command Generation for Multi-Axis Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require significant time and effort to create complex NC machining programs for sophisticated machine tools with multiple-axis control, and existing automatic solutions are inefficient in generating such programs within a short timeframe, especially for products with diverse features.
Innovation Solution
An automatic operation device for machining centers equipped with a CNC device that extracts features from three-dimensional CAD design data, determines machining conditions, and generates machining commands using a learned model to automatically set and execute manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for manual NC program creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual NC program creation using CAM system is used, then machining precision and control accuracy are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic program creation through self-service mechanisms. The control unit automatically extracts features from CAD data, determines machining conditions by applying learned models, generates tool paths, and creates NC programs without requiring manual intervention from operators, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual programming while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of NC program creation with an automated intelligent system. Instead of manual operator input and mechanical CAM operations, the system uses feature extraction algorithms, learned models for condition determination, and automatic program generation, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated computational methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated multi-axis control is implemented, then machining capability and product complexity are improved, but program creation difficulty and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex multi-axis control problem into manageable components. It separately handles feature extraction from CAD data, determines machining conditions for each feature independently using learned models, generates tool paths for individual features, and integrates them into a complete NC program, thereby managing complexity through systematic decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary learned model that bridges the gap between complex machining requirements and control execution. The learned model serves as an intelligent mediator that automatically translates CAD features into appropriate machining conditions and tool paths, simplifying the interaction between the operator and the complex multi-axis control system
3Ease of operation
If automatic program creation is implemented, then operational simplicity and speed are improved, but handling of complex special manufacturing processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing machining conditions, tool definitions, and process parameters in databases before actual machining operations. The learned models are trained in advance on various manufacturing processes including special processes, enabling the automatic program creation system to handle complex situations without requiring real-time manual intervention or post-processing edits
Data Source
AI summary
In a CAD data-based automatic operation device of a machining center equipped with a CNC device, the CNC device is provided in a storage unit with a learned model generated by learning beforehand machining conditions including a tool used and cutting conditions, a manufacturing process including a tool trajectory, and a machining program that caused the manufacturing process to be performed in correspondence with one another with respect to each feature subjected to various cutting operations. An automatic machining command generation unit provided in a control unit is provided with: a feature extraction function of extracting features from three-dimensional CAD design data of a machined product; an automatic manufacturing process setting function of automatically determining required machining conditions and automatically setting a manufacturing process including a tool trajectory, by applying each feature to the learned model; an all manufacturing process setting function of determining a procedure for manufacturing processes for all the features; and a machining command generation function of generating a machining command for causing a machine tool to perform all the manufacturing processes based on the learned model. The automatic manufacturing process setting function is further provided with a function of displaying a 3D model of the machined product generated based on the three-dimensional CAD design data in one or more possible different directions of mounting to a machining unit in a selectable and executable manner and the manufacturing processes are automatically set based on the determined mounting direction.