An approach for applying STEP-NC in robot machining

•Developed methodology for applying STEP-NC in robot machining operation.•Methodology relies on programming, simulation and robot machining based on STEP-NC.•Configuring virtual robots in STEP-NC Machine environment for machining simulation.•Developed RoboSTEP-NC module is used to translate the STEP-NC program into G-code.•This methodology is verified through the machining experiments on real robot.

This paper presents an approach for applying new machining standard ISO 10303-238 in machining operations by using industrial robots. The methodology developed according to this standard is proposed for executing programming, simulation and machining by industrial robots. A detailed description is given of a developed RoboSTEP-NC module which, being part of established methodology, translates the program according to ISO 10303-238 for 3-axis machining into a robot programming language. Programming verification has been realized, first, by simulation on virtual robots configured in STEP-NC Machine environment, and thereafter also by machining on a real available robot after translating machining program by applying the developed RoboSTEP-NC module.