IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
Related content
PAPER • OPEN ACCESS
An overview on STEP-NC compliant controller
development
- Overview
Yoshihiko Takano
To cite this article: M A Othman et al 2017 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 257 012048
- AC CNC : A NEW CATACLYSMIC
VARIABLE.
A. Okazaki, M. Kitamura and A. Yamasaki
View the article online for updates and enhancements.
- Development of STEP-NC Adaptor for
Advanced Web Manufacturing System
Mr. Ajay Konapala and Dr. Ramji Koona
Recent citations
- Muhammad Azri Othman et al
This content was downloaded from IP address 181.214.103.45 on 04/07/2019 at 13:25
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
An overview on STEP-NC compliant controller development
M A Othman1,2, M Minhat1* and Z Jamaludin1
1
Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang
Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia
2
Centre of Diploma Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400
Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
*Corresponding author email:
[email protected]
Abstract. The capabilities of conventional Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools
as termination organiser to fabricate high-quality parts promptly, economically and precisely
are undeniable. To date, most CNCs follow the programming standard of ISO 6983, also called
G&M code. However, in fluctuating shop floor environment, flexibility and interoperability of
current CNC system to react dynamically and adaptively are believed still limited. This
outdated programming language does not explicitly relate to each other to have control of
arbitrary locations other than the motion of the block-by-block. To address this limitation, new
standard known as STEP-NC was developed in late 1990s and is formalized as an ISO 14649.
It adds intelligence to the CNC in term of interoperability, flexibility, adaptability and
openness. This paper presents an overview of the research work that have been done in
developing a STEP-NC controller standard and the capabilities of STEP-NC to overcome
modern manufacturing demands. Reviews stated that most existing STEP-NC controller
prototypes are based on type 1 and type 2 implementation levels. There are still lack of effort
being done to develop type 3 and type 4 STEP-NC compliant controller.
1. Introduction
The advanced of computing technology has heralded a significant change in Computer Numerical
Control (CNC) machine tools development. CNC machine tools has come a long way, from the simple
machine with controller that had no memory and driven by punched tape, NC machine tools ultimately
transformed into an advanced machine tools system that embedded with the high-technology
capabilities feature such as multi-axis control, multi-process manufacture, adaptive control and error
compensation [1-2]. Machine tools have evolved radically, but the conventional CNC programming
language has basically remained almost unaffected based on ISO 6983 (known as G&M code)
standard (Figure 1). Even though, existing CNC machining systems are equipped with hundreds of
sensors facilitate collection of a huge amount of data and provide opportunities for enhancing the
performance of manufacturing processes, the incapability of ISO 6983 to fully utilising this
opportunity is one of the reason this standard can be considered as bottleneck and obsolete for CNC
enhancement. A number of problems are found with current product data of ISO 6983 and CNC
architecture, which are summarized underneath [3-4].
1. Low level programming language. The language only focuses describe the cutter location (CL)
movement and switching instruction, rather than machining tasks with respect to the part. As a
result, expensive CNC machine tool is just act as executing mechanism without any intelligence.
2. Limited information. G&M codes controller is only provided with only elementary action and
tool movement information command. The CNC part programme only contains a small portion of
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
1
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
3.
4.
the information that is available in any CAD/CAM model. This low level and incomplete data
makes modification program in the shop floor is difficult.
Limited control of program. ISO 6983 is only support linear and circular movement instructions
in a rigid sequential. Incapability to support the spline data makes this language unable for
controlling five or more axis CNC machines.
Vendor Specific code. The limited scope covered by ISO 6983 makes each machine vendors has
extended the G&M code to include their own specific functions and adaptations. As
consequences, a specific post-processor is required for each CNC machine types and
interchangeable of CNC programs between different controller and machine tools are restricted.
5.
Top-down programming process. It only supports one-way information flow from design to
manufacturing. If there are any modification done at shop floor level, shop floor knowledge
cannot be automatically captured and directly feedback to the designer. So, companies lost their
opportunities to improve their manufacturing processes using this invaluable experience.
6. Vendor specific architecture. This kind of architecture restricted user to access or modification
the system by themselves. Manufacturing industry strictly dependent on the machine vendor to
whatever machine features or requirement they needed.
7. Limited optimisation supported. Limited information available on the machine level due to
only obtain a set of low-level and incomplete information data that make verification, simulation
and optimisation are difficult, if not impossible.
Today, a new CNC challenges is not only to deal with shop floor uncertainties events such as
product changeover, tool broken, job delay, machine downtime, unavailable tools and fixture, etcetera,
but also fluctuating market environment. To dealing with these kinds of market situation,
manufacturing companies has to increased productivity and requirements for greater product
variability in order to increase or maintain their profit. Thus, to increase productivity and profitability
in this globalized and competitive world, manufacturing is considered to be an integrated concept at all
levels from machines tool level to production systems to an entire business level operation [5]. This
will lead to the possibility of using standard data throughout the entire product process chain in the
manufacturing environment and allow data to be share seamlessly with any information loss.
Therefore, the next generation of CNC is required [6]: (1) To use a high level and standard data model
interface for seamless integration of the entire computer-aided system (CAx) chain system; (2) To be
multi-functional, intelligent and autonomous; (3) To have an open architecture with software based
implementation technology.
ISO 14649, namely STEP-NC is a new standard for data exchange interface between CAD/CAM
system and CNC machine and is considered as the next generation of CNC programming language for
replacing ISO 6983 standard. STEP-NC compliant NC system that fully connected to manufacturing
information network with legacy data are the foundation to smart NC machining system that
represents the brain and knowledge repository of manufacturing system based on high bandwidth
information, real time networking, and ability to be react adaptively (self-learning and flexible) [1].
Therefore, CNC manufacturing systems of the next generation are required to provide a number of
new features such as high intelligence control systems for autonomy, adaptability to react with
dynamically changing environment, re-configurability for agile collaboration, and sustainability for
environmental benefit [7]. To achieve this aim, entire components of the CNC machining system have
to benefit from the research works to discovery the better solutions and technology enhancements.
2
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
CAD
(Product Modelling)
Interface 1 :
CAD/CAM
Interface file format: IGES,
SET,VDA, STEP, etc
CAM
N10 G0 G90 G40 G21
N20 G54 X45 Y25 S500 M3
N30 G43 Z100 H1
……
…
Interface 2 :
CAM/CNC
(NC programming)
Interface file format:
APT, CL
Post Processor
(Generate Specific NC
format)
Low level information
Limited scope
Vendor specific
extensions
%
N05 G54
N10 G91
N15 G00 X40 0 Z20 0
N20 S12 00 F20 0 T2
N25 G01 Z10 0 M3
N30 G01 Z20 0
N35 G00 X40 0 Z40 0
N40 M30
…..
...
Interface file format:
ISO 6983 , RS274D
CNC
(Machining task)
Finished part
Figure 1. Current Computer Aided System (CAx) data model interface.
Up to 2016, there are many researchers having done in promoting and development of STEP-NC as
a next generation of data model interface for CNC system. Based on the data gathered from the
Elsevier’s Scopus abstract and citation database, there are 376 journal articles/ conference papers/
review papers have been published since 2002. However, there is yet a study to be done to capture the
trend of STEP-NC technology development. Hence, the objective of this paper is to review the
development of new breed STEP-NC controller. This paper is organised as following: in section 2
overview of STEP and STEP-NC standard. While in section 3 implementation strategies for STEP-NC
controller is discussed. Followed by section 4 where STEP-NC state of art and existing prototypes are
reviewed. Finally, conclusion and future work in section 5.
2. Overview of STEP and STEP-NC standard
ISO 14649, namely STEP-NC, proposes a new vision of the CAx chain system. It provides a high
level and standardized data model between CAx and CNC systems and is considered as the next
generation of CNC programming languages. STEP-NC is being developed by the international
community with the motivation to formalise the data model interface used at CNC machine level and
remedies the shortcoming of the outdated ISO 6983 standard, which yet still dominates the control
system of the most CNC machines. Unlike the current standard, STEP-NC does not defines the
cutting tool movements as ISO 6983 does, but it treated high level object-oriented information and
standardized information such as feature geometry, cutting tool description, operation attributes and
work plan from design to CNC system (see Figure 2) [8]. Though it is possible to develop a new breed
of intelligent controller NC controller that have capability to act more intelligently than ever before
and with the abilities of decision making as well as control of the machine tool. This can be achieved
through STEP-NC by providing generic file as a controller input and the machine-specific decisions to
be made at a later stage by a CNC and its controller. As a result, part programs may be written once
3
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
and used on many different types of CNC machine tool controller providing the machine has the
required process capabilities [4].
Basically, STEP-NC is extended version of ISO 10303 (Standard Exchange of Product Data also
known as STEP), in which both feature and model structures in STEP-NC are harmonized with ISO
10303. Unlike its other predecessors such as Drawing Transfer File (DXF), the initial Graphics
Exchange Standard (IGES) and the Product Description Exchange for Standard(PDES) which primary
designed to exchange geometrical data, STEP provides a neutral mechanism by specifying all the
product data information throughout the life cycle of a product [4,9]. Implementation of STEP
standard within CAD system to CAD system or CAD system to CAM system already solved data
exchange compatibility between them. However, the programming interface between CAD/CAM and
CNC systems has remained unsolved. Even though, STEP provides the unify input data for a CAM
system, the output side of CAM system is still based on outdated ISO 6983. Thus, STEP-NC is
introduced to overcome this ISO 6983 shortcoming issues.
Implementation of STEP and STEP-NC date model interface have bring the possibility of using
single file standard data format throughout the entire product process chain in the manufacturing
environment [3]. A STEP-NC file as a standard and neutral mechanism can be used on numerous
machine tool controllers. As a new NC programming interface for machine level, new breed of
intelligent controllers that are responsible to interpret STEP-NC program file for generate sequences
of axis motions and tool functions is required. Besides that, STEP-NC also include a data model for
inspection, simulation and optimisation in real time CNC system environment. Implementation of
STEP-NC programming offers new possibilities for adaptive force control as a large part of the
intelligence and decision making process is migrated from CAM to CNC [8]. In this system, CNC
controller becomes a central element in the design to manufacturing chain system. It brings production
to become more flexible and efficient. However, the migration of the way CNC is being programmed
from using G&M code programming to STEP-NC demanding time and funding for changes industrial
mindset.
Figure 2. STEP-NC programming approach [8].
Recently, the CNC machining technology involved towards intelligently, interoperable, standardise
and reconfigurable for the upcoming generation of CNC machining systems to more flexible and open.
The research carried out by researcher to find the best solutions and technology improvement. Suh and
Cheon in [6] emphasises a criteria have to be addressed specifically at three different requirement
levels (functional level, data model level and implementation level) when developing intelligent CNC
system. This requirement levels are presented graphically in the Figure 3. The first level is functionallevel requirements that focuses to the capability of CNC system itself to carry out the desired activities
4
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
intelligently in order to successfully achieve the machining performance and goal in shop-floor
environment. Factors to be considered include autonomy, human interaction, reconfigurable, quality
control, adaptive control, resource management, high-speed machining and self-learning.
The second level is data-interface level that related with the data exchange and sharing model used
between CAx and CNC and data manipulation with in CNC system. The main concern is to increase
data manipulation capability within the system and shortcoming of using ISO 6983 standard. This goal
can be achieved by providing CNC system with intelligent product data instead of digital drawings. So
the major concerns at this stage are include direct interface with CAD data by using standard data
format, comprehensive data model with seamless data exchange, internet based supported, and virtual
machining. The last level is implementation-level requirement. This requirement is concerns about
structural and topological relationship pf the software modules and the implementation methodology.
For more information on the detail description of each criteria’s readers are referred to [6].
CAD
CAPP
HMI
CAM
Input
Device
Functional
# Autonomy
# Minimised Human
Decision and
Interaction
# Reconfigurable
# Quality Control
# Adaptive Control
# Resource
Management
# High-Speed
Machining
# Self-Learning
Data Interface
Implementation
# Direct Interface with
CAD data
# Comprehensive
# Use of standard data
# Internet based
supported
# Seamless data
exchange
# Virtual Machining
# Software-based CNC
# Open and Modular
architecture
# User Configurability
CNC
Display
Unit
Feedback Data
Machine Control
Unit
Data
Processing
Unit
Feedback
Device
Control
Loop
Unit
Motion data
Miscellaneous
Function
Driving
System
Machine tool
Figure 3. Requirement analysis for developing intelligent CNC system [6].
3. Implementation strategies for STEP-NC controller
STEP-NC as a new language, it is required to have a new breed of CNC controllers that capable to
carrying out various intelligent tasks using this new language as an input. At the research front,
multiple efforts are being made not only just to expand CNC automation and flexibility capabilities of
the machine tool but also to embed intelligence and reconfigurable functionality into the machine.
There are various different approaches were introduced by various scholars based on STEP-NC
implementation on CNC system, those approaches can be classified into several levels of
implementation in the future as present in Table 1. The lack of STEP-NC controllers has been
considered as a major hindrance to popularization of STEP-NC [10]. Establishing of seamless
connection, stable STEP-NC interpreter and intelligent controller are the key requirement for realise
the STEP-NC concept in machine tool environment.
4. STEP-NC state of art and existing prototypes
The development of intelligent CNC systems for next generation of CNC system has been the hot
topic of research. Since 2002, STEP-NC technology has been enhanced and attracted large amount of
research interests among researchers, academicians, and corporates sector over the world in the race
for developing technology for next generation of CNC system. Numerous technologies and various
research projects have been carried out all over the world such as project OPTIMAL, project STEPNC (EP 29708), project Super Model and Project IMS 97006 (Step-Compliant Data Interface for
Numeric Controls). All these projects are being carried out with the collaboration of manufacturers
(Open Mind, Dassault Cubictek, STEP Tools, Siemens, OSAI, etcetera), the user (Daimler-Chrysler,
5
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
Volvo, Wyss, Samsung, etcetera) and academic institutions from USA, Europe, Switzerland and
Korea [13].
Table 1. Types of research work strategies related to STEP-NC.
Types
1
Strategies
Conventional control using
STEP-NC [4]; STEP-CNC
with conventional control
[11]; Indirect STEP-NC
programming [8]
2
New STEP-NC enabled
control [4]; STEP-CNC with
new control [11]; Interpreted
STEP-NC programming [8]
3
STEP-NC enabled intelligent
control [4]; STEP-CNC with
new intelligent control [11];
Adaptive STEP-NC
programming [8]
4
Collaborative STEP-NC
enabled machining [4];
Description
It has considered as entry level for STEP-NC by simply incorporates
with legacy NC controllers. The interpreter module (act as
comprehensive post processor) translated the STEP-NC program into
specific machine G&M codes and then send them into CNC kernel for
executes the codes. There is no intelligence at all inside this system
except the capability to interpret STEP-NC program.
At this stage, machine tool motions command is directly executed
based on the machining sequences and strategies defined in a STEPNC file format. At this level, new controller architecture is required
and the external data can be integrated in the tool-path generation
process. Simply said, this system embedded CAM function inside the
controller system. In this case, the STEP-NC controller can be
employed with some intelligences, however the problems between
CAM and CNC are not totally solved but hidden [12].
At this point, NC controller is able to perform NC tasks intelligently
and autonomously based on the online process data and optimizes
machining parameters and tool-paths in real time. Intelligent function
may include automatic feature recognition, automatic collision-free
tool path generation (including approach and retract motion, automatic
tool selection), automatic cutting condition selection, status monitoring
and automatic recovery, and machining status and result feedback.
It has considered ultimate goal for the STEP-NC enabled machining is
to support web-based, distributed and collaborative manufacturing
system. This controller should be implemented with all the features
inside type 3 controller plus cooperative ability via internet. The aims
are parallel with e-manufacturing paradigm DA-BA-SA: DesignAnywhere, Build-Anywhere, Support-Anyways.
Most of the existing STEP-NC controllers have been reviewed by [2,8,14]. Korea STEP-NC
developed by [15] consists of 5 big modules and the communication between all the modules via
COBRA communication. STEP-NC part program file is generated by Shop Floor Programming
system (PosSFP) module based on data input in form of STEP AP 203 or AP 224 files. Meanwhile, at
Loughborough University, an Agent-Based CAM system (AB-CAM) has been developed by [16] for a
generated native STEP-NC part program, and the program is able to convert into G&M code for
machining execution. Xu [17] proposed a G&M code free STEP compliant machining scenario by
developing a converter to convert STEP-NC files to 6K programs. Wang and colleagues in [18]
developed a STEP compliant CNC system based on function blocks to translate STEP-NC data into
G&M code.
6
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
Table 2. Development History of STEP-NC Controller
Authors
Strategies
Features
Yusof and
Type 2 # Can receive ISO6983 and ISO14649 as data
Kamran [20]
input
# Automatic tool changes and online visual
video.
Provides a shop floor editing facility
(Working/offline) and able to generate the
physical file output in .txt or .xml format.
Limitations
# universal interpretation, G&M
code to STEP-NC or vice versa
cannot be done.
# No intelligence and accurate
tool path generation;
# No 3D simulation
# Not Accept STEP-NC P28 file
# No support adaptive machining
# No physical machining reported
# Real time monitoring and onmachine inspection not included
in the system
# No support adaptive machining
Xiao et al.
[10]
Type 2
# System able to generate and exports STEP-NC
files in P21 or P28 format.
#Allow shop floor adjusted
#Solid 3D part viewer and tool path simulation
Minhat et al
[19]
Type 2
# 3D modeling represents by
wireframe only
# No support adaptive machining
Xu [17]
Type 2
# layered structure STEP-NC controller based on
IEC 61499 function blocks
# Simulation and physical machining for STEPNC Example 1&2 are performed.
# G&M code free machining scenario
# for turning process
Rauch et al.
[8]
Type 1
# Still using G&M code
Wang et al
[18]
Type 1
# 3D visualization- manufacturing data, tree
structure, tool path generation.
# Shop floor parameter editing allowed
# Collision detection simulation
# On-machine inspection and real-time
machining parameter optimisation
# STEP-NC / G&M code mapping
# Tool path generation in G&M code
Newman et
al. [16]
Type 1
Suh et al.
[15]
Type 2
# STEP-NC enabled controller
# Tool trajectory and 3D wireframe done by
commercial software
# Develop without any commercial software
#CNC generates the tool path for the cutter and
touch probe (by TPG), which can be shown
graphically by simulator.
# still use low level language (6K)
# if use different NC kernel, new
interpreter required
# No support adaptive machining
# Still use G&M code for end
controller
# No Physical machining reported
# No support adaptive machining
# No support adaptive machining
# Tool path generation modules
still non-real-time operation
Besides the development of interpreter and converter for STEP-NC controller, there are some
researches putting their effort on closed-loop manufacturing system and system feedback in order to
ensure intelligent STEP-NC controller can be realised. In [21], Brecher et al. are developed a closedloop process chain prototype including inspection based on STEP-NC standard. Next two years, Zhao
and their colleagues proposed integrated process planning system architecture for joined machining
and inspection task together by provides real-time inspection feedback and On-Machine Inspection
(OMI) in order to overcome relocating error during offline inspection [22]. Campos and Miguez as
reported in [23] achieve vertical integration with STEP-NC in order to have a standardized process
monitoring and traceability programming. The traceability is ensured at three different levels: business
level, manufacturing level, and shop floor level. This allows monitoring the capitalization. Ridwan and
Xu [24] define an automatic correction of cutting parameters based on the machine condition
monitoring. They have developed optiSTEP-NC system which helps to perform cutting parameters
7
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
optimization. With the similar work, open CNC controller named HITCNC with the ability to interpret
high-level product information, inspect the part online, and monitor machining process condition in
real time is proposed and developed by Hu and his friends [14]. Summaries related to STEP-NC
controller development are presented in Table 2, whereas research work related to bi-direction and
intelligent system is shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Research work related to enabled intelligent STEP-NC controller
Authors
Technology
Features
Limitations
Hu et al.
[14]
Online
Inspection
# Developed system has ability to
interpret high-level product
information, inspect the part online,
and monitor machining process
condition in real time is developed.
# Provides guidelines to the CAM
programmer in order the part can be
well manufactured at 1st time.
Danjou et al
[25]
Knowledge
Capitalization
Um et al.
[26]
Machine tool
selection
# Automatic machine selection based
on proposed machine tool data model
Ridwan and
Xu [24]
Inspection
Campos and
Miguez [23]
Machine
control
monitoring
Zhao et al.
[22]
On-machine
inspection
Brecher et
al. [21]
Inspection
# Automatic correction of cutting
parameters based on the machine
condition monitoring
# Optimisation is performed before,
during or after machining operations,
based on the data collected
# develop a standardized process
monitoring and traceability
programming
# CNC controllers can interpret and
automatically execute programmed
monitoring and traceability commands
# Proposed integrated process
planning system architecture for
joined machining and inspection task
together by provides real-time
inspection feedback and On-Machine
Inspection (OMI)
#no data conversions are needed
# Realised a closed-loop process chain
with bidirectional information flow
and measurement information
feedback of inspection operations into
the STEP-NC file.
# Inspection involved depth of cut
measurement only.
# Surface roughness, features
location, feature dimension not yet
validate.
# Involve simple shape only,
freeform and complex shape parts
not yet defined
# Knowledge Database filling
manually.
# Algorithm validation based on
machine catalogue model (offline
data) only not based on online
machine resource availability.
# STEP-NC machine tool data
model not yet establish.
# optimisation involve feed rate
only. Overall machine performance
optimisation not yet established.
# focusing on data traceability
only, no analysis or optimisation
process reported
# No implemented physically yet.
# Conversion data still needed
since CMM not support STEP-NC
data yet.
# No support adaptive machining
5. Conclusions and future work
In order to cope with requirements for modern CNC manufacturing environment, STEP-NC offers a
new comprehensive data model remedies for the shortcomings of ISO 6983 and by incorporating
various intelligent functions, which are not feasible in existing CNC control system. In order to realize
the STEP-NC concept, the development of STEP-NC compliant controller is crucial. As discussed
before, to date, there are multiple studies and research works have done over the world regarding
8
4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER2017)
IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering
257 (2017) 012048 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/257/1/012048
1234567890
developing a new breed STEP-NC compliant controller. Based on implemented strategies, the research
works can be categories into four levels method (see Table 1 for detail). Considering all these
evidences, it was concluded that most existing STEP-NC controller prototypes are based on type 1 and
type 2 levels. Even though, the types 3 and 4 implementation level are the ultimate aims on
intelligence STEP-NC controller. Up to today, there is no evidence claiming ‘intelligence STEP-NC
programming’ controller prototype is fully developed and ready to implement on an industrial
machine tool. As a Future work, the authors will develop a comprehensive framework of intelligence
STEP-NC compliant controller. Feedback element, real-time control and on-machine optimisation for
the CNC system also being included. The proposed system will receive generic STEP-NC file as input
and machine-specific decisions including tool path generation and machining parameter setup to be
made later by controller.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to appreciate Ministry of Higher Education, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
Malaysia (UTHM), and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for the financial support and
facilities provided.
References
[1] Nguyen V K and Stark J 2015 Advanced Design and Manufacturing Based on STEP 215232.
[2] Xu X W, Wang H, Mao J, Newman S T, Kramer T R, Proctor F M and Michaloski J L 2005 Int.
J. Prod. Res. 43 3703–3743.
[3] Xu X W and He Q 2004 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 20 101–109.
[4] Xu X W and Newman S T 2006 Comput. Ind. 57 141–152.
[5] Esmaeilian B, Behdad S and Wang B 2016 J. Manuf. Syst. 39 79–100.
[6] Suh S H and Cheon S U 2002 Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 19 727–735.
[7] Peng T, Xu X and Wang L 2014 J. Manuf. Syst. 33 196–208.
[8] Rauch M,Laguionie R, Hascoet J Y, and Suh S H 2012 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 28
375–384.
[9] Kemmerer S J 1999 STEP, the grand experience (Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg).
[10] Xiao W, Zheng L, Huan J and Lei P 2015 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 31 1–10.
[11] Suh S H, Kang S K, Chung D H, and Stroud I 2008 Theory and design of CNC systems
(London, England: Springer-Verlag London).
[12] Zhang C, Liu R and Hu T 2006 Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 19 508–515.
[13] Kržič P, Stoic A and Kopač J 2009 Stroj. Vestnik/Journal Mech. Eng. 55 406–417.
[14] Hu P, Han Z, Fu H, and Han D 2016 Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 83 1361–1375.
[15] Suh S h, Chung D H, Lee B E, Cho J H, Cheon S U, Hong HD and Lee H S 2002 J.
Manuf. Syst. 21 350–362.
[16] Newman S, Allen R, and Rosso R 2003 Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 16 590–597.
[17] Xu X W 2006 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 22 144–153.
[18] Wang H, Xu X, and Tedford J Des 2007 Int. J. Prod. Res. 45 3809–3829.
[19] Minhat M, Vyatkin V, Xu X, Wong S and Al-Bayaa Z 2009 Robot. Comput. Integr.
Manuf. 25 560–569.
[20] Yusof Y and Kamran L 2016 Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 29 136–148.
[21] Brecher C, Vitr M, and Wolf J 2006 Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 19 570–580.
[22] Zhao F, Xu X and Xie S 2008 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 24 200–216.
[23] Campos J G and Miguez L R 2011 Comput. Ind. 62 311–322.
[24] Ridwan F and Xu X 2013 Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 29 12–20.
[25] Danjou C, Duigou J Le and Eynard B 2016 Procedia CIRP 41 852–857.
[26] Um J, Suh S H and Stroud I 2016 Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 3052 1–17.
9