Open architecture of CNC system research based on CAD graph-driven technology

Based on CAD graph-driven technology, a kind of novel open architecture CNC system is put forward and designed together with the key hardware “PC+PMAC controller”. The intelligent CNC system software including several function modules is developed under Visual C++6.0 environment. Graphic feature identification and geometric parameter extraction from CAD-part-drawing saved as DXF format are performed to control the relative motion between cutting tool and part. The ant-colony algorithm is applied to auto-optimize the cutting tool paths in machining process. The experiment results of a plane engraving machining example show that the proposed method is feasible, and the entire machining process no longer needs NC programming. The efficiency of CNC machining is improved greatly, and the true intelligent CNC machining can be realized when the advanced programming technologies are integrated in one system according to the proposed conception.