STEP-NC a new language for CNC machining and measurement Martin Hardwick STEP Tools, Inc. hardwick@steptools.com 518 687-2848 x 306

Why STEP-NC New information to make machining faster and more accurate Supply chain interoperability On machine feed-speed/tool-wear optimization On machine simulation and collision detection Closed loop machining and measurement CAD STEP CAPP CAM STEP-NC CNC Design Machine Plan

The STEP-NC Concept New programming concepts Workingsteps define operations CAD tolerances define quality CAM tool paths define control STEP-NC AP-238 AB Tool Tilt BC Table Tilt

The STEP-NC Model geometry tolerance property as workpiece, stock, fixture, or tool shape executable workpiece workplan, if/then, parallel, … S[0:?] machining_feature machining_workingstep geometry pocket, plane, hole, region, S[0:?] probe machining_operation plane milling, side milling, drilling, technology machine functions L[0:?] path geometry cross section feed override toolpath strategy ISO 13399 tool database tool cutter location trajectory, cutter contact trajectory

How to implement? Add STEP export to your CAD systems. Purchase tools to build STEP-NC data Convert APT or MCD (Machine Code Data) data Integrate with CAD data Verify machining processes Purchase tools to make CNC operation more efficient Automated feed-speed optimization Automated measurement Automated tool path correction

STEP-NC Explorer CAD CNC CAM PDM “The STEP-NC Machine (Explorer ) is a prototype system for creating, managing and optimizing STEP –NC data” STEP-NC Machine Explorer CAM PDM Integrate data from multiple data sources Optimize machining on the control

Impeller Roughing

Impeller - Finishing

Impeller Inspection

Tolerance Evaluation

Simulation

Cutting tools

Control Machining

Business Benefits 15% faster machining TBD (To Be Done) % fewer mistakes TBD% more data reuse TBD% more accurate machining

New since Sandvik Accelerated data reuse using toolpath orientation As-is, to-be and delta models for executables AP-203 & ISO 13399 models for cutting tools More robust graphics More robust simulation More viewing options More export control options

Goals for this meeting Show feed speed optimization Show closed loop machining Rough machine Finish machine one blade Measure using Faro arm Generate corrected tool paths Machine remaining blades Perform final quality check on CMM Estimate benefits