Why is it helpful?
David Odendahl, equipment engineer at Boeing, and Sid Venkatesh, chairman of the OMAC machine tool group (also from Boeing) explained that the data received by CNC machines currently defines the axial motion requirements required to make a part. This is called Mechanical Control Data (MCD) and is a low level of instruction. They say that traditionally CNC machines cannot access high-level information about performing related tasks or parts. Because of the lack of information portability, many higher levels of intelligent information are trapped in CAD and CAM systems.
Similarly, the control of each machine combined with the parts being machined will inevitably produce unique data. The machine does not receive information that helps it take real-time changes in machining dynamics and tool adjustments. Odendahl and Venkatesh said that due to inconsistent data formats, earlier standards were not strong enough.
Boeing and other companies have come up with a better suggestion as to whether the CNC system can receive tool movement data instead of axis movement data. The advanced CNC converts tool movement data into axis movement data. Advanced information on part features, materials, tools, dimensional tolerances, etc. can also be sent to the CNC. Once a data standard such as AP-238 (STEP-NC) is used, the tool's movement data is “machine-independent†and can be run away from the translator specified by the supplier for other geometry systems. The AP-238 includes part features, fixtures, tools, tool paths, and geometry information that emphasizes the transfer of machining information, making execution easier. The Commission hopes that component information will be gradually adopted where technical conditions permit.
Instruction portability
In a multi-committee demonstration, a 5-axis aerospace part was machined using the AP-238 Translation Portable Instructions. Catia CL file is 2,077 KB; AP-238 part 21 file: 2,305 KB; NC file: 560-1,304 KB; with Pentium 1 GHz processor, total processing time: 20 seconds.
GE Fanuc is one of the many suppliers of CNC systems. According to Bill Griffith of the Foundation, GE Fanuc fully supports STEP-NC's efforts. They have attended numerous industry conferences and demonstrated GE Fanuc open systems running STEP-NC at trade shows and industry conferences. GE Fanuc works with third-party software integrators to use GE Fanuc open system CNC products for user-specified STEP-NCs.
Other vendors that are not directly involved, such as MDSI, are paying close attention to their movements. "STEP-NC will be the focus of our future software/hardware development plans," said Michael Tarr, MDSI's global sales director.
Bigger investment
Since there will be more industry players in 2006 than in 2005, higher efficiency can greatly increase productivity.
In 2005, the market for NC software and related services worldwide increased by 6.5% to US$1.25 billion. According to CIMdata's estimates based on end-user payments, payments in 2006 will increase by 7.2% from the previous year to US$1.34 billion.
CIMdata said that according to the '15th edition of the CIMdata NC Software and Related Services Market Assessment Report', the market has grown by 8%, the highest since 1999. The company also said that there was no growth from 2000 to 2004 when the NC software market was low. Thereafter:
â– The market has steadily increased with the development of the global economy;
â– Manufacturing production worldwide has increased;
â– As manufacturing companies must enhance their competitive position, the efficiency of locomotive operation is very important;
â– The entire PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) market (CAM is a component) has shown strong growth.
CIMdata said that CAM software purchases are directly related to these factors.
Alan Christman, chairman of CIMdata, the first author of this report, said, “Although the software market for controlling machine tool cutting parts is relatively mature, the market has been active and exciting over the past two years.†“Some software vendors already have up to 40% The annual income growth has promoted the consolidation of the market, and emerging markets such as China are taking shape. Manufacturing companies are also placing important developments in the production process of the assembly line, and the potential CAM software technology is still developing continuously."
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