A closed-loop and self-learning STEP-NC machining system

STEP-NC standard has the capability to transfer multiple information relates to machining process among CAD, CAPP, CAM and CNC. In this paper, a machining system which has closed-loop information transmission and self-learning feature is proposed. The architecture of the proposed system is structured utilizing IDEF0 functional modeling languages and the system numerical chain adopts ISO 14649 as the data exchange standard. The system includes following functions: part design, offline process planning, online process planning, part machining, condition monitoring, part measurement, information collection and information analysis. Geometrical data and technological data is transmitted from the upstream of the system to the downstream of the system. Meanwhile, process data which is gathered both during and after machining is sent back to the upstream, therefore the data flow is a closed-loop. All of the information is stored in a database for obtaining design and machining know-how so that the system is self-learning.