Architecture and implementation of closed-loop machining system based on open STEP-NC controller

Effective approach of collecting, transmitting, and handling complete product manufacturing information during machining process is necessary for realizing high efficiency manufacturing. In this paper, the architecture and implementation of closed-loop machining system (CLMS) is discussed and the method of realizing machining process control is introduced. An integrated information flow is built based on object-oriented description method to transfer complete product manufacturing information in CLMS. The functional and informational model of CLMS is established by using integration definition method. Online and real-time machining process control is implemented on an open STEP-NC controller which is collecting and analyzing information of machining process condition and inspection results during machining process. The software kernel of CNC controller implemented on a computer platform integrates with machine tool, sensors, and probe for real-time data collecting and online inspection. Finally, test parts are machined and inspected to verify the proposed machining process control method and open STEP-NC controller.