Intelligent machining of rough components from optimized CAD models

This paper describes a technique for automatically generating NC machine programs from CAD images of a rough work piece and an optimally positioned component. The paper briefly compares the generative and variant methods of automatic machine program development and then presents a technique based on the variant method where a reference machine program is transformed to machine the optimized component. The transformed machine program is examined to remove any redundant cutter motions and correct any invalid cutter motions. The research is part of a larger project on intelligent manufacturing systems and is being conducted at the CIM Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia.