Review of Man-Machine Interaction in Five-axis Machining with STEP-NC

Abstract Mechanical industry is facing major challenges in the 21st century. Products with high quality material, more complex geometry is challenging productivity and cost efficiency, which represents profit in today`s economy. In such circumstances, industry has to improve and utilize the most modern means of production. One such possibility is utilization of five-axis machining, with an easy process planning. Step forward towards five-axis machining took place when the product geometry complexity have increased dramatically. Along with this, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) become more sophisticated. Tool-path programming of five-axis Computer Numerical Controllers (CNC) machine tool, accuracy of synchronization and relative positioning for tool according to additional two rotational axes are some of challenges for modern HMI. Human operator without complex but reliable, easy to use interface could not be able to follow the machining process. Moreover, HMI need to provide possibility for editing in any stage during the manufacturing process. In the last decade, new programming language appeared, with better characteristics, called ISO 14649 also known as STEP-NC. STEP-NC allowed utilization of more user-friendly interfaces in construction of machine tools, proving better services, more adjustment possibilities for future.