A flexible and modular architecture for object space NC-Machining simulation

Abstract

The NC machining processes based on computer graphics is a significant part of modern Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Through simulation, it is possible to test the correctness of the NC tool paths without the need of machining actual physical parts, with the corresponding reduction of time and costs. In this paper, we present a flexible and modular architecture that describes a generic object-based NC machining simulation system. This architecture has been tested using several object-based simulation approaches, and could be successfully integrated in commercial simulation systems. This work also covers other proposed architectures found in the literature.