A feature-based NC machining time forecasting model

NC machining time of a part depends on its geometry and process plan, NC program, and machine characteristics. Since the integration of geometry and process plan, NC program, and machine characteristics is difficult during NC machining time forecasting, existing commercial software tools and research systems do not fully consider these factors, and therefore the machining time forecasting accuracy is low. In order to address this challenging issue, this paper proposes a feature-based model for NC machining time estimation. Experiment results shown that the proposed approach is feasible and practical.