NC Program Creation Using Dimensional Tolerance Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NC machining programs struggle to accurately reflect design intent, especially when multiple machining subject surfaces are involved, due to complexities in specifying and calculating machining target dimensions and tolerances, leading to potential miscalculations and input errors.
Innovation Solution
A program creation apparatus and method that allows for easy creation of NC machining programs by setting post-movement positions of graphic elements based on positional movement information, using a dimensional tolerance data table to calculate machining target dimensions and deform shape data accordingly, even when multiple surfaces are involved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an operator manually calculates machining target dimensions and inputs coordinates while referring to production drawings, then the NC machining program can be created, but miscalculation or input error is likely to occur and the program becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates machining target dimensions by having the machining subject itself serve as the reference. The dimension calculation unit computes the distance between the machining subject and a reference point, eliminating the need for manual calculation and reducing errors. This self-referential approach ensures accuracy while simplifying the programming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with automated computational processing. Instead of operators using calculators or manual measurement, the system uses a dimension calculation unit that automatically computes dimensions from CAD data, substituting human mechanical operations with automated digital processing to improve reliability.
2Ease of operation
If nominal dimensions and tolerance information are directly written in the NC machining program, then the programming process is simplified, but a central position cannot be calculated when multiple machining subject surfaces are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimension calculation unit as an intermediary between the CAD data and the NC machining program. This intermediary automatically calculates machining target dimensions by measuring distances from machining subjects to reference points, bridging the gap between simple nominal dimension programming and accurate tolerance handling for multiple surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the dimension calculation function as a separate, automated process. Instead of embedding complex tolerance calculation logic within the NC program itself, the system extracts the calculation to a dedicated dimension calculation unit that processes CAD data and generates accurate machining dimensions, simplifying the overall programming process.
3Productivity
If CAD data is imported to create NC machining programs, then program creation becomes easier, but machining target dimensions with tolerances cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dimension calculation by automatically computing machining target dimensions from imported CAD data before generating the NC program. The dimension calculation unit pre-processes the CAD information to extract accurate dimensions and tolerances, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained while preserving the productivity benefits of CAD import.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an accurate dimensional copy of the CAD model by extracting and calculating precise machining dimensions from the imported CAD data. The dimension calculation unit generates a refined representation of the machining targets with accurate tolerances, copying the essential geometric information while adding precise dimensional data needed for manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An NC programming assisting apparatus that creates an NC machining program reflecting dimensional tolerance data on shape data of a machining subject includes a machining target dimension calculation unit 5 that calculates machining target dimensions of the machining subject based on the shape data and the dimensional tolerance data; a shape data deform processing unit 6 that sets post-movement positions of graphic elements based on positional movement information about how to move the graphic elements, the machining target dimension, and the shape data so that a dimension between graphic elements included in the shape data conforms to the corresponding machining target dimension; and an NC machining program generation process 7 that creates an NC machining program by using the shape data and the post-movement position of each graphic element.