SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR SIMULATED VERIFICATION OF CNC PART PROGRAMS

Abstract

The introduction of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine has been an important leap for the manufacturing industries. In addition to rapid setup time, superior accuracy and repeatability, the benefits of utilizing CNC machine tools to increase manufacturing productivity are potentially enormous. However, all these benefits have been realized, rarely. The preparation of usable, error free CNC part programs is a major challenge and has long been one of the highest costs in manufacturing with numerical control. With this background, software for simulated verification of CNC part programs has been developed. This accepts the CNC machine instructions in the form of G-codes. The developed software performs error detection task step by step and continuously prompts the user if any error is found. There are two phases of error detection. In the first phase it detects the syntax errors, logic errors, set up mistakes and machining condition errors. In the second phase it detects the other logic errors such -as tool collision and wrong machining sequences. The software developed displays the 2-D tool path and the step by step updating of workpiece after execution of each block of the part program. In addition to the above, the software also gives information about the machining parameters (cutting speed, depth of cut, feed rate) for each block as it is executed. The software is well suited for removing errors in manually prepared CNC part programs.