Service-oriented, cross-platform and high-level machining simulation

With the development of manufacturing, Web-based numerical control machining simulation has become an important part to realise networked manufacturing and make the training for operators easier. Although some research about it is available, most of them are based on G&M code that has inherent drawbacks such as vendor-specific nature, incomplete data, irreversible data conversions and lack of accuracy. These limitations hinder the development of a truthful simulation system; they are dependent on specific platform and have bad interoperability, which limits their use. Therefore, there is a requirement for high-level data model to be developed and utilised that can assist with accurate simulation for machining processes. In addition, there is also a need to take account of computer heterogeneous environment and online service. To solve these issues, this article proposes service-oriented, cross-platform and high-level machining simulation solution that utilises high-level data such as standard for the exchange of product data and standard for the exchange of product data-compliant numerical control in order to produce an informative and truthful simulation and utilises the proposed browser/server-based model–view–controller-communication-data pattern, Java and Web service technology in order to produce platform-independent and service-oriented machining simulation. The outcome of the research provides a better informed simulation environment, makes the training for operators easier and promotes the development of networked manufacturing.