NC Program Reuse for Common Geometric Feature Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical control (NC) manufacturing processes for complex components, such as gas turbine engines, require substantial revisions and modifications by experienced programmers, indicating a need for improved systems and methods to develop manufacturing programs efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for developing NC manufacturing programs for common geometric features by obtaining manufacturing process data from similar components, determining constraints, selecting appropriate processes, and generating program parameters, which includes indexing features in a database and using these data to create efficient manufacturing programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional CAM systems are used to develop NC manufacturing programs, then manufacturing expertise can be applied, but substantial revision and modification by experienced programmers is required, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the 3D CAD model to identify geometric features and pre-selecting manufacturing processes based on stored process data before NC program generation, reducing the need for manual revision by experienced programmers
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores manufacturing process data from previously manufactured components with similar geometric features, then copies and adapts this data for new components, eliminating the need to develop NC programs from scratch for each new component
2Reliability
If experienced programmers manually develop NC manufacturing programs, then program quality can be ensured, but the process requires extensive manufacturing knowledge and substantial revision, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting manufacturing processes and generating NC programs based on stored process data and geometric feature analysis, reducing dependency on experienced programmers while maintaining program reliability through systematic evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by evaluating manufacturing process data against constraints and requirements, then refining process selections and NC program generation based on this evaluation to ensure reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom NC programs are developed for each component, then component-specific requirements can be met, but development time and cost increase for each new component
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by creating a reusable database of manufacturing process data that can be applied across multiple components with similar geometric features, allowing the same process knowledge to serve multiple purposes while maintaining component-specific customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by adapting stored manufacturing process data to match the specific parameters and requirements of new components, allowing efficient customization without complete program redevelopment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for developing a numerical control manufacturing program for a common geometric feature (38) of a first component (36A) includes obtaining manufacturing process data for the common geometric feature (38). The manufacturing process data is associated with one or more numerical control manufacturing processes for the common geometric feature (38) of one or more second components (36B). Each of the one or more second components (36B) includes the common geometric feature (38). The method further includes determining one or more manufacturing constraints for the numerical control manufacturing program for the common geometric feature (38) of the first component (36A), selecting a numerical control manufacturing process of the one or more numerical control manufacturing processes, obtaining manufacturing process parameters for the selected one or more numerical control manufacturing processes, and developing the numerical control manufacturing program for the common geometric feature (38) of the first component (36A). The developed numerical control manufacturing program includes the manufacturing process parameters.