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ISO 14649 standard, commonly recognized as STEP-NC is a data model interface for computer numerical controllers. STEP-NC goes much further that G codes and has a more comprehensive data model that overcomes the lack of process information in ISO 6983 files (G codes programming). The STEP compliant approach brings the possibility to integrate the machine controller to the overall enterprise information network, with the intention of having bi-directional data flow. This will provide the novel capability for upstream feedback of information from the numerical controller to the design and process areas in the process planning and manufacturing. This paper presents the key concepts of the proposed STEP Convertor of the STEP-CNC Mapping System. The objective of the main system is to take a generic STEP file as the input to drive a CNC machine tool. The main system is broken down into two main sub-systems, STEP Convertor and STEP-NC Translator. This paper will focus solely on the information structure and conceptualization of the STEP Convertor.

This research explored ISO 14649 together with ISO 6983 and utilize STEP-NC in overcoming the problems of G & M code and at the same time take advantage of the current advances in computing and controllers. A new STEP-NC Code Generator called Milling STEP Coder, which focuses on the milling process that are able to generate STEP-NC codes based on ISO 14649 Part 11 was developed. This system also has the capabilities to visualize the STEP-NC codes generated in a parent to child relationship tree-view structure, as well as give an image visualization of how the end machining will appears. The developed Milling STEP Coder uses Software Prototyping Model as its software development methodology, instead of the normal waterfall model, as prototype is a valuable mechanism for gaining better understanding of the system requirements. A small-scale mock up of the system was developed following an iterative modification process. The advantages of the proposed Milling STEP Coder program was verified and evaluated. The Milling STEP Coder can generates STEP-NC codes through a STEP-NC compliant interface and will give industries and academician more in-depth understanding and confidence to make the switch from G & M code to STEP-NC.

To realize the STEP-NC based machining system, it is necessary to perform machining feature extraction, generating machine-specific information, and creating a relationship between STEP-NC entities. A process planning system of a STEP-NC information flow that starts with constructing a machining feature from a CAD model will be developed. In this paper, a further in-depth study of the implementation and adaptation of STEP-NC in manufacturing is studied. This study will help to understand how the data from CAD/CAM can be converted into STEP-NC codes and the machining process will be based on the STEP-NC codes generated.