A framework of an intelligent process planning system for milling based on STEP-NC

STEP-NC is an extension of STEP that defines a machine independent bi-directional data standard for Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) systems. A framework of an intelligent process planning system for milling based on STEP-NC is proposed. Four functional layers are involved in the software-based framework of STEP-NC intelligent process planning system. The intelligent technology, such as neural network, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm, is utilized to generate and optimize the process route. The implementation of the purposed prototype system named ST-ICAPP is presented based on Solidworks. An example is given to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the prototype system. As a result, this research shows a high potential to aid the development of new CAPP milling system.