farshid@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Farshid Arman) (05/22/91)
I am not sure what is the right group for this question. Can any one tell me how much of the process of going from a CAD 3-D model to manufacturing the model is automated and how much is still dependant on operator/programmer of a milling machine or an NC machine? specifically, the paths that a manufacturing machine follows, are they dereived automatically from the CAD or the NC programmer does that part? any hints or sources to look this up is appreciated. Please e-mail responces. Farshid Arman farshid@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
young@alw.nih.gov (Jeff Young) (05/23/91)
In article <49329@ut-emx.uucp>, farshid@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Farshid Arman) writes: |> |> I am not sure what is the right group for this question. |> |> Can any one tell me how much of the process of going from a CAD 3-D model to |> manufacturing the model is automated and how much is still dependant |> on operator/programmer of a milling machine or an NC machine? |> |> specifically, the paths that a manufacturing machine follows, are they |> dereived automatically from the CAD or the NC programmer does that part? |> |> any hints or sources to look this up is appreciated. |> |> Please e-mail responces. |> |> Farshid Arman |> farshid@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu -- Most of the major CAD vendors can give you better information but the basics are: Many packages have add-ons or third party extensions that do what you need. Some NC mill vendors are even getting into the act. Most new NC's have at least a serial line to download files. The degree of the automation depends on the amount of money that you want to spend. You might expect to spend at least what you've spent on your 3-d CAD package. To realize what is involved, think about the way a 3-d part would be encoded into some graphics database. Now think about the way that an NC machine works - they're not at all similar. The NC machine moves about in layers, plunge cuts, end mills; often it takes re-alignment of the part on a jig to finish a part. The graphics data is encoded in lines, arcs, circles which may or may not be the ones to cut. Want to look at a really neat product, look into stereo-lithography (i think). It's a new way to build 3-d prototypes. Parts a built by applying a laser to a bath of special fluid. When the laser hits the bath, the fluid solidifies so the part is built on a tray which lowers into the fluid at .001" at a time (or so). The laser is controlled by NC type programming and the console accepts your favorite cad database. ___________ jy young@heart.dcrt.nih.gov