FEATURE-BASED MACHINING USING MACRO

Abstract

This thesis presents a research work on the implementation of feature-based machining via macro programming technique. A part of new machining system based on STEP-NC requirement called Intelligent Machining System (IMS) was developed by using macros. An initial IMS component comprises of a main program and nine macros allows user to select features and define their important geometrical parameters. The output from this session will be used to generate a new part program. From the experiments carried out to verify the performance of the system, it was proven that the IMS is able to machine s􀁄veral features namely planar, hole and pocket accurately and it was found that its uses at least 20 times less memory compared to CAM generated part program. The system generates a human readable part program and more importantly, it has the ability to record and save any modifications such as feedrate or spindle rpm made by the user. Pre­machining setup time and production cost are reduced by using this system in industry.