Enabling Machining Vision Using Step-Nc

STEP-NC is a new data format for manufacturing control. One of its applications is to enable integrated on machine measurement of machining processes using vision systems and other sensors. In this paper we describe the manufacturing process and manufacturing resource models in STEP-NC that can be used to enable this type of measurement. These descriptions include the machine setup so that the configuration of the part can be identified and corrected, the machine kinematics so that the actions of a machine while adding or subtracting material can be verified, and the product tolerances so that the quality of the final part can be predicted and corrected during the machining.