Abstract
(Englisch)
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The objectives of the STEP-NC project is to develop and to implement a comprehensive STEP-based data model for the CNC manufacturing process. It will provide a new quality of IT-based manufacturing by integrating the shop floor into the company-wide information and logistics network, thus cutting process times significantly. Rather than just feeding NC programs to the shop floor, machine operators will be provided with complete process information. Manufacturing know-how can be captured and re-used.
The project will extend the results of EP 8643 OPTIMAL and ISO 14649 interface for NC programming beyond their milling-oriented focus to all major manufacturing technologies (turning, grinding, EDM, wood and glass cutting, rapid prototyping). This is a prerequisite for establishing a widely accepted standard, thus replacing the obsolete ISO 6983. A strong consortium that includes key manufacturers of NC controllers, CAM systems, and machine tools as well as large and small end users will bring enough impact and overall background to guarantee the new standard success.
The STEP-NC project aims to deliver results in the following areas:
· Development of the STEP-based manufacturing data model,
· Methods and tools to improve the work flow and quality in the CAD/CAM/CNC process chain,
· The new data interface for NC-programming (ISO 14649), currently supporting only milling and drilling technology, will be extended to other manufacturing processes and further testing implementations will provide the necessary feedback for correction and improvement of the interface.
The main advantages of the new data interface would be the following:
· The STEP-NC data interface will be a neutral data description: CAM independent, NC machine-tool independent. This would significantly enhance exchangeability and flexibility, and allow considerable cost reduction as no machine or controller specific data will no longer needed.
· Straightforward information exchange using CAD standard STEP. Since geometry of parts is described using STEP syntax, a direct exchange of information between CAD,CAM and NC can be realized.
· Higher quality and 'intelligence' of information on the shop floor. The information available on the controller will allow the operator to have a complete understanding of his task and powerful capabilities to make safe modifications.
· Bi-directional information flow. The optimized machining information enriched by the machine operator know-how can be fed back to the planning department in order to update and to store comprehensive and consistent process description for further re-use.
In 2000, IMS extension for the STEP-NC project was being achieved by including new international partners from USA and Korea in order to insure the future worldwide acceptance of this new standard.
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