Abstract This paper introduces a CAD software for schematic diagrams of combined machine tool machining, developed on a SUN workstation using CADDS5 graphics software and the CVMAC language. The software features automated and intelligent guided design and supporting design; it employs a design approach combining automatic and interactive design; and it utilizes an object-oriented design method that allows direct manipulation of graphics. This software can design schematic diagrams for machining processes such as drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, and milling on combined machine tools.
1 Overview
Machining schematic diagrams are one of the most important drawings in the design of modular machine tools, primarily reflecting the machining process and methods. The design of these schematic diagrams mainly involves the matching design of components such as cutting tools, connecting rods, guide sleeves, spindles, and tools, as well as the setting of cutting parameters for various machining processes including drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, and milling. Therefore, the workload for designing machining schematic diagrams is substantial and complex.
This CAD software for machining schematics of combination machine tools is developed using a SUN workstation as the hardware environment, CADDS5 as the graphics software environment, and the CVMAC programming language. The program integrates the advantages of similar CAD software both domestically and internationally, employing a design approach that combines automated and interactive design. It features intelligent guided design and intelligent auxiliary design, utilizing an object-oriented design method that directly manipulates the graphics throughout the entire design process. This software is not only advanced but also highly practical. It can design schematic diagrams for drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, and milling processes. A design example is shown in Figure 1.
2. Software Structure
The CAD software for schematic diagrams of combined machine tool processing adopts a modular structure. Its main modules include the calculation module CACU2LATE, the design module DESIGN, the annotation module MARK, the graphics library GL03, and the databases DB02 and DB03. Each main module consists of several functional sub-modules, and the overall module structure is shown in Figure 2.
3. Design Principles of Main Modules
311 Databases DB02 and DB03
Based on the characteristic that there are mutual matching and selection among common components such as cutting tools, connecting rods, spindles, and guide sleeves of combination machine tools, we have established a database of matching relationships for common components, DB02. This database not only stores information about the common components themselves, but also records other related information. The entire database is like an intelligent "interlocking network". As long as a component is selected in the design, a series of matching components can be found in this database for system matching design.
The cutting parameter database DB03 stores all standardized cutting parameters and some practical experience data from our factory's SZ01A manual. It includes various cutting parameters for machining processes such as drilling, reaming, tapping, boring, and milling, as well as for workpiece materials such as steel, cast iron, and aluminum, and tool materials such as high-speed steel and cemented carbide. When selecting cutting parameters for a design, the appropriate cutting parameters can be quickly found in this database based on the machining conditions.
All the graphics involved in the machining schematics of the GL03 graphics library (model 312), including tools, connecting rods, guide sleeves, spindles, and tapping templates, are parametric graphics subroutines written in CVMAC. These graphics subroutines can be automatically called within the program or accessed manually via an icon menu. When called, specific parameters are assigned to the graphics subroutine to draw the required component graphics. The scale, placement, and angle of the graphics can be arbitrarily selected.
When needed, by assigning certain real parameters to the graphics subroutine, the required component graphics can be drawn. The scale, placement, and angle of the graphics can all be arbitrarily selected.
3.13 Calculation Module CACULATE
The main function of the calculation module is to perform the selection and calculation of cutting parameters. Cutting parameters refer to the cutting speed v of the tool, the spindle speed n, and the working feed rates So and Sm, etc. The rationality of these parameter selection directly affects the machine tool's production efficiency, tool life, and machining quality. When the calculation module is run, the program automatically queries the database DB03 for the optimal cutting parameters based on the machine tool's machining conditions for design selection. If the relevant cutting parameters cannot be found in the database, the program will provide some approximate cutting parameters for reference during design selection using an analogy method. Once the cutting parameters selected by the program are determined, they are used in the design, and the selected cutting parameters can be modified at any time according to specific practical needs.
3.14 Design Module
The design module is the core of this software, primarily responsible for designing the connections and connections between components such as cutting tools, connecting rods, guide sleeves, and spindles. The development of this module mainly achieved the following technical features:
(1) Intelligent and automatic design guidance that provides the optimal design options
During the design process, the system establishes a dynamic array. This array records not only the original data for each axis but also the latest design data. For each component, the program intelligently captures the designer's intent based on the information provided by the dynamic array. Through database queries, it selects the optimal general-purpose component as the default option for automatic design, and automatically invokes the graphical design after confirmation. If no suitable general-purpose component is found in the database, the system intelligently provides reference data for the designer to use in a customized design. This guided design method, which automatically provides default options, allows even inexperienced young designers to create reasonable solutions.
(2) Intelligent supporting design
Because we have established a universal component matching database, when designing, once a component is selected, a series of matching components can be found in the matching database for the system to choose from. For example, the design of the connecting rod is based on the inner diameter of the spindle and the Morse taper of the cutting tool, and is selected from the matching database. This matching design selection completely avoids the error of selecting incompatible components.
(3) A design approach that combines automated design and interaction design
In addition to the two automatic design functions mentioned above, this software also provides an interactive design method. We have created several icon menus within the CADDS5 environment, each corresponding to a specific design function. During the automatic design process, the program can switch to interactive design mode at any time, allowing users to complete a function by manually clicking on the menu. By combining automatic and interactive design, the advantages of both methods are complemented, improving design efficiency and offering flexibility and wide applicability.
(4) Object-oriented design method that directly manipulates graphics
Throughout the design process, design and graphic display proceed simultaneously. The design results of each step can be clearly observed on the screen. Designers can perform direct operations such as designing, modifying, adding, and deleting graphics at any time, just like designing on a drawing board.
3.15 Marking Module
Because the dynamic array records all design information, the program intelligently analyzes and judges each group of axis data when dimensioning and labeling parts, and then automatically labels them according to different structural types. Finally, it automatically compiles and outputs a complete list of parts.
4. Conclusion
The CAD software for schematic diagrams of modular machine tool machining was successfully developed in December 1995 and put into use in the modular machine tool design department of Dalian Machine Tool Group Corporation. It has performed well and is well-received by designers. Through practical application verification, we have drawn the following conclusions:
(1) Advanced technology, high degree of automation, realizing intelligent...
Energy-oriented design and supporting design.
(2) It has strong interactive functions, allowing direct operation of graphics, making design and modification very convenient.
(3) The entire interface uses icon menus and Chinese character prompts, which are easy to understand and use.
(4) Significant economic benefits; it can improve design efficiency and quality, and reduce production costs.
