STEP-NC Solutions

1
STEP-NC Solutions
Martin Hardwick David Loffredo info_at_steptools.com
STEP-NC Manufacturing Center Watervliet
Arsenal, Building 20 Metal Processing
Manufacturing Division Watervliet, New York
12189 [phone] / [phone]
fax http//www.steptools.com
2
Introduction
4 CAMs 2 Controls 0 Postprocessors
AP-238
BC Table Tilt
AB Tool Tilt
3
AP-238 Functionality
Benefit
Other Models Turning (in AP-238
ed1) EDM Contouring Inspection Robotics
Tested during research phase
Parametric Operations
Today
Feature parameters
Probing Workingsteps
Feature tolerances
Toleranced Splines
Toleranced Surfacing
TCP Lines Arcs
Drilling Cycles
Product Geometry
Conditional Operations
Better Process Control
Better Process Monitoring
Flexible Manufacturing
Functionality
4
Smart Process Control

• Base level configuration
• Eliminates post
• Enables faster operator prove-out
• Creates pathway for on-machine optimization

5
Smart Process Monitoring
New components
CNC Vendor components
Control HMI
Customer Report
Monitor dll
Block Number
TCP Code
Motion Controller
CNC Loader

• Process Monitor configuration
• Allows customer to verify correct operation of
  the control
• Timings, operational parameters
• Feature, operation and tool id for each
  workingstep

6
Smart Manufacturing
System Integrator component
Control HMI
Customer Report
Executive
Run WS1-N
Program Status
Sensor value
Interpreter dll
Sensor value
Block Number
TCP Code
Motion Controller
CNC Loader

• STEP-NC Interpreter configuration
• Execution flow depends on sensor values
• Sensor values are connected to NC Variables of
  the program
• Executive tells Interpreter when to start and stop

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Applications

• Smart Process Control
• CNC Operator needs to change a speed for all
  pocketing operations
• Converter identifies all workingsteps that use
  this feed.
• CAM operator guided to operations that need to be
  edited
• Smart Process Monitoring
• Motion control records maximum Z tool tip
  position
• Monitor dll adds data about workingstep and
  feature id
• OEM checks hole feature has required depth.
• Smart Manufacturing
• CAM creates program including probing operations
• Executive relates probe value to STEP-NC Variable
• Interpretation of program decides how to adjust
  finish allowance

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The Dynamic
Here are dlls to read and write STEP-NC data
OEM
Accept jobs defined by AP-238 so I will know how
they are machined
ISO Standard
Shop
Put the AP-238 dlls on my TCP controls
I need AP-238 so I need to upgrade my controls
to include the TCP option.
CNC Vendor
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Current Status

• Can machine NAS 979 CDS part with 5 axis cone
• 3 and 5 axis tool paths, lines and arcs
• Machine functions and technology
• Draft International Standard in review
• A few EXPRESS errors being found
• Some scope for data compression
• Enhancements for process monitoring
• Writer and Converter dlls ready for Beta use
• Stage 1 replace RS274D but keep same procedures
• Stage 2 optimize procedures using new
  intelligent data

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Conclusion

• AP-238 delivers rich data to the control
• The benefits are well known
• Design anywhere, build anywhere
• Cross enterprise re-use of CNC programs
• Fewer operational errors
• Faster machining
• The post was always in the way
• Delivering low level machine codes
• No connection between a feed and the reason for
  the feed
• The combination of Open Controls, TCP Programming
  and AP-238 eliminates the barrier.