Module-based Platform for Seamless Interoperable CAD-CAM-CNC Planning

Software tools enabling enterprises to plan manufacturing processes efficiently can be turnkey solutions for gaining advantages in global competition. Nevertheless, existing CAM systems complementing each other in functionality are often not interoperable without supplementary technical and organisational effort. Open computer-based manufacturing, which is introduced in this chapter, is an approach to solving the problems of software inhomogeneity along the CAD-CAM-NC chain via a common platform. With an extension of the STEP standards for CAM related data and functional interfaces, this framework is able to embed software modules which encapsulate specific functionalities. Possible realisation can rely on known techniques from service-oriented architecture. The developed platform can be used, for example, in coupled simulation systems or process data acquisition, which can improve NC planning processes.