Integrated modular machine tool simulation for education in manufacturing automation

Simulation is increasingly being used as an educational tool in manufacturing classes, especially in the area of automation. However, no simulator currently exists that integrates all aspects of a machining workstation (i.e. physical machine, cutting process, and controller software and hardware) into one simulation in a modular manner. In this paper, the architecture of an integrated, modular machine tool simulator is introduced. This architecture provides the structure to create machine tool simulations with modular components that may be efficiently modified as required. Further, this architecture provides for an integrated machine tool simulation where the interactions between the machine, process, and controller may be efficiently investigated. A detailed two-axis lathe simulator is created from this architecture and examples are provided to present the performance and utility of this simulator as a tool for manufacturing automation education.