Design Automation For CNC Machining : A case study for generating CNC codes from geometric CAD models

The intent of the thesis is to automate the generation of computer numerical control (CNC) codes from geometrical computer-aided design (CAD) models. The work is carried out using two machines, the MDX 40A milling machine, and the HAAS VM3 machine. The case study is to determine the potential in automating the code generation process. The empirical findings from the research studies reveal that the manual process for programming the codes for the models pose a challenge of consuming more time using the procedures in computer-aided manufacturing and manual operations performed by a programmer. One crucial factor to meet these requirements is the productivity of the machining process. Design automation for machining is the potent tool to increase productivity in this process. The main methods used in the study to fulfill the main objective of the thesis are addressed. The programming of the code is automated for these two machines and the outcome is compared with the manual approach. The need of automating the codes is to provide better accuracy and efficiency. Further, automation is beneficial as it increases the capability to accommodate the new changes in the design of the model. The conclusion drawn from the results of the study is that the automation for code programming results in increasing the speed of the machining process by reducing time consumption. Though the approach of automating codes is carried out for two machines, the potential of this approach is that the code generation process is not dependant on the post-processor of any specific machineThe Master Thesis (Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering)