Post-Processor Automation for Machine Tool Control Subprograms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available post-processors do not automatically utilize additional information about machining processes in movement information, leading to suboptimal utilization of control subprograms and NC functionalities, resulting in incomplete performance and machining accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that reads availability information about control subprograms on the machine tool and generates control commands to call specific subprograms based on machining operations, ensuring only tested and available subprograms are used, thereby optimizing machining processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If commercially available post-processors are used to generate parts programs, then the basic functionality of converting movement information to control commands is achieved, but the optimized control subprograms and NC functionalities for specific machining processes are not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the control device transmit availability information about control subprograms to the post-processor before parts program generation. The post-processor then automatically selects and integrates the appropriate control subprograms based on the machining operations in the movement information, eliminating the need for manual insertion and ensuring optimized control parameters are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides feedback to the post-processor by transmitting availability information about which control subprograms are available on the machine tool. This feedback loop enables the post-processor to automatically generate control subprogram calls that match the machining operations, ensuring that optimized control functionalities are utilized without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If control subprograms are manually inserted into the parts program, then optimized control parameters can be used, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processor performs self-service by automatically reading availability information from the control device, analyzing the movement information to identify machining operations, and generating control subprogram calls without user intervention. This automation eliminates the manual insertion process while ensuring that the appropriate optimized control subprograms are integrated into the parts program.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of inserting control subprograms is replaced by an automated information processing system. The post-processor uses computer-based algorithms to automatically match machining operations with appropriate control subprograms, substituting the manual operator's actions with automated software functionality that is both faster and more accurate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all control subprograms are made available on the control device, then the system has high versatility, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functionality by separating the availability information about control subprograms from the actual control execution. The control device transmits only the necessary availability information to the post-processor, which then generates selective calls to specific control subprograms based on the machining operations. This segmentation allows versatility without requiring the control device to manage all possible subprograms simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The post-processor serves as a universal interface that can generate control subprogram calls for multiple different machining operations (finishing, roughing, drilling, etc.) by reading availability information from the control device. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single automated system that adapts to different control subprograms based on the specific machining requirements, rather than requiring separate manual procedures for each operation type.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creating a part program (21), wherein the part program (21) comprises control commands by means of which the movements of a tool (16) can be controlled by a control unit (9) of a machine tool (10), wherein motion information (22), which includes information about movements of the tool to be carried out and machining operations to be carried out, is read in, characterized in that availability information (23) is read in, which indicates the control subprograms (11a, 11b) available at the control unit (9) of the machine tool (10) for certain machining operations to be carried out, wherein, for the creation of the part program (21), the control commands are generated on the basis of the available control subprograms (11a, 11b) and the motion information (22) such that, if a control subprogram (11a, 11b) corresponding to a machining operation to be carried out is available,11b) in the control unit (9) a control subroutine call is available for calling the control subroutine (11a, 11b) associated with the machining operation, which is generated as a control command. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer (4) for carrying out the method. The invention enables the simple creation of a partial program (21) for a machine tool (10).