Development of a Sheet Metal Part Stock Layout System Based on OPENCASCADE Platform

Computer graphics and intelligent optimization algorithm are integrated to solve stock layout optimization problem of sheet metal parts, and a sheet metal part stock layout system is developed based on OPENCASCADE platform. According to the system developing objectives, the system architecture is put forward and its main modules are described. The development of its graphic supporting system is also discussed. Default warning algorithm is developed to help a user abide by stock cutting constraints and rules by adopting color warning strategy. IGES data exchange interface is developed by using OPENCASCADE data exchange components to realize the integration with sheet metal part unfolding system and sheet metal part NC machining system. The results of automated stock layout module are used as primary layout scheme for interactive stock layout module to generate the final optimal layout scheme. As a result, material utilization ratio is increased and material cost decreased