An Ontology-based post-processor model for CNC machine tools

CNC machine tool post-processor task is to translate the tool-path (known as CL file), generated by CAM system in a independent machine tool code, in a machine control unit interpretable code. The current post-processor architecture is able to translate the CL file in only one NC code. This constrain implies, on the one hand, the presence, in a manufacturing system, of as many post-processors as different machine tool control units, with high costs of programming and management, and on the other, the impossibility of interchange a NC part program on different CNC system, raising inefficiencies and higher costs of production system. The present thesis, developed at the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) of Hanover, aims to develop a concept for modelling different Numerical Control Languages, with the help of ontologies, and to realize this concept for a given application case