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Dealing with feature interactions for prismatic parts in STEP-NC

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Abstract

Determining the precedence of machining features is a critical issue in feature-based process planning. It becomes more complex when geometric interaction occurs between machining features. STEP-NC, the extension of STEP (ISO 10303) standard developed for CNC controllers, is a feature-based data model. It represents all the geometric and topological product data minus feature interactions. In this paper, machining precedence of interactive and non-interactive STEP-NC features is discussed. Local and global precedence of machining features are defined on the basis of geometric constraints, such as geometric interaction of features and feature approach face and technological constraint such as access direction of the cutting tool. A software tool has been developed to visualize the STEP-NC part model and to generate the graphs of feature interaction and feature precedence. The output can be then used to augment the STEP-NC data in order to generate the optimal sequence of operations.

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Abbreviations

P :

The final part

B :

The starting workpiece, blank

F i :

Feature i

∩:

Interaction between two features

\({f_{F^{i},F^{j}}}\) :

Common face of feature i, j

\({F^{i}_{TAF}}\) :

Top approach face for feature i

\({\vec{F}^{i}_{TAF}}\) :

Normal vector for top approach face for feature i

\({\vec{T}_{AD}}\) :

Normal vector for tool access direction

\({\phi}\) :

Null set

ω i, j :

The interacting entity of feature i, j

σ P (F i):

The common boundary of feature i and the final part

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Alireza Mokhtar

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

    Xun Xu

  3. RWTH, Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    Iñigo Lazcanotegui

Authors
  1. Alireza Mokhtar
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  2. Xun Xu
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  3. Iñigo Lazcanotegui
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Correspondence to Xun Xu.

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Mokhtar, A., Xu, X. & Lazcanotegui, I. Dealing with feature interactions for prismatic parts in STEP-NC. J Intell Manuf 20, 431–445 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-008-0144-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-008-0144-y

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