Data extraction from geometric models for process planning for parallel machines

Abstract Process planning bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. In computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems, the goal is to automatically extract data from a design model and use it for generating plans for manufacturing. The extracted data should correspond to the type of machining process under consideration, and the extraction techniques must work with the computer-aided design (CAD) model representation. We consider manufacturing information/data extraction from geometric models for parallel machines, particularly mill/turn machines. These are a new class of powerful numerically controlled machine tools with parallel machining capabilities, including turning and milling operations. In this paper, we outline methods for (1) computing the machining axis for a part and (2) determining turning volumes for machining. Examples are included for both methods.