Architecture for Direct Model-to-Part CNC Manufacturing

Gilbert Poon, Paul Gray, Sanjeev Bedi, Daniel Miller

In the traditional paradigm for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, tool paths are programmed offline from the CNC machine using the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of the workpiece. The program is downloaded to the CNC controller and the part is then machined. Since a CAD model does not exist inside the CNC controller, it is unaware of the part to be machined and cannot predict or prevent errors. Not only is this paradigm labor intensive, it can lead to catastrophic damage if there are errors during machining. This paper presents a new concept for CNC machine control whereby a CAD model of the workpiece exists inside the controller and the tool positions are generated in real-time by the controller using the computer’s graphics hardware without human intervention. The new concept was implemented on an experimental lathe machine specifically designed to machine complicated ornamental wood workpieces with a personal computer. An example workpiece was machined and measured using a 3D camera. The measured data was registered to the CAD model to evaluate machining accuracy.

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