Recently, automatic programming systems using graphic menu have been developed. User input grometries of parts and a raw material then the system determines machining sequences, tool and cutting conditions automatically and outputs the NC program.
In this paper, FBM(Feature Based Modeling) is used to describe the geometries of parts and the interface module is developed to interface with AutoCAD. Machining feature extracion algorithm is developed to extract machining features from design features. Global operation planning module is developed to determine chucking position and cutting area in each process. Detailed operation planning module is developed to devide cutting area and determine cutting sequences and tool. Finally, Cutting condition determination module is developed.
Since the developed system is fully automatic, novices without machining experience can easily produce the NC program. This system will contribute to solve the problems of production and to integrate CAD/CAM.
