The Open Architecture CNC System HITCNC Based on STEP-NC

HITCNC is an open architecture soft-CNC system which was constructed with PC (personal computer) and current operating system. To ensure the openness of the open architecture CNC system, following implementation technology are used in the process of its research: i) system based on interface standards; ii) dynamically modeling of HITCNC that adopted FSM (finite state machine); iii) using SoftSERCANS technology in HITCNC system; and iv) using COM (component object model) and RTDLL (real-time dynamical linked library) in HITCNC. The modular structure for HITCNC system is expatiated and previous implementation technology is discussed. STEP-NC controller is established on the basis of familiar three machining features, including planar-face, hole and pocket. The overall structure of STEP-NC controller is introduced, the modules functions of controller are discussed. Finally, based on the open architecture CNC system HITCNC, a three-dimensional milling system is established, the G-code program planned by STEP-NC controller for a STEP-NC program example based on planar-face, hole and pocket three machining features, is used on the HITCNC system to fulfill practical machining. The results of the experiments show that the established open architecture CNC system HITCNC and STEP-NC controller are correct and feasible, and HITCNC has good openness