Automatic Generation of NC Part Programs.

Abstract

Most CAD/CAM systems available today are capable of generating NC part programs to machine a component designed on the system. This achieves apparent integration between CAD and CAM. However, the user must still manually enter crucial manufacturing data such as cutting conditions, tooling and machine information. An automated process-planning system would have the capacity to provide this information directly. This paper describes one such system which generates a process plan and, automatically, the NC part program and can therefore be used as the basis of true integration between CAD and CAM.