CAD/CAM Software for Extremely Low Repetitive Machining Center Work of Block Like Components Using Automatic Setup Free Block Machining Technology

Abstract

Setup-Free Block-Machining Technology has been studied in the interest of manufacturing extremely low repetitive and high variability products, in shorter throughput time and for reduced cost than using conventional machining methods. By specially designed setup-free attachment mounted on the table of a horizontal machining center, block like components, falling into a small size range, can be automatically machined from all of the six orientations in only one process without using other fixtures. To establish procedures and technologies for automatic operation of the single process block machining equipment, the Personal Computer (PC) Based CAD/CAM software, of which CAM phase generates NC program automatically, is structured. Machining Feature-based CAD concept, that is a subset of the parametric feature-based design principle but limiting the user's choice to features machinable by machining centers, is the principal methodology that makes the CAD output possible to be automatically processed in the CAM phase for generating the NC program.