Internet tools supporting creation and management of technological environment of CAD/CAM systems

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Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 Internet tools supporting creation and management of technological environment of CAD/CAM systems Z. Adamczyk *, H.

Machine tools, cutting tools, inserts and tooling catalogues are sources of data which are necessary in cutting process planning.

1 Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Internet tools supporting creation and management of technological environment of CAD/CAM systems Z. Adamczyk *, H. Malek The Institute of Metal Cutting, Wroclawska 37a, Cracow, Poland Received 23 May 1997 Abstract As a rule CAM systems usage requires a number of catalogues, especially in process planning. Machine tools, cutting tools, inserts and tooling catalogues are sources of data which are necessary in cutting process planning. However, the traditional form of these catalogues is not convenient any longer, when using a CAD/CAM system. Research and development works carried out in the Institute of Metal Cutting, Cracow, Poland, on a new generation of interactive part programming system KSP-OSN/WIN drew attention on the lack of technological environment, which was a significant limitation in efficient exploitation of the system. This fact became an inspiration in searching for new solutions of databases establishment by means of network-based concept. Catalogue data are divided into groups and presented in the form of HTML documents in logical sequence. These documents are reviewed by KSP-OSN user with any web browser. Technological data (tools, cutting inserts etc.) found while searching HTML documents, are available from MS Access database by KSP-OSN user Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. Keywords: CAD/CAM; Databases; Internet tools; WWW applications 1. Introduction Electronic catalogue or technological database creation using information contained in catalogues, in their traditional form, is a very difficult task because of the quantity of data and different forms of their presentation. Variety of machine tools, cutting inserts and tooling manufactured by different companies in many countries creates a real problem, when one attempts to create a uniform electronic catalogue. One of the approaches to solve this problem is adopting a neutral format of data but this is very time consuming and unconvenient. Manufacturing programme often changes, so modification of the database contents is necessary. Maintenance of such databases, in intermediate neutral format needs additional effort. Summarizing, such solution is not only inconvenient but also costly. The approach to solve the described problem suggested in this paper is expressed by the following assumptions: * Corresponding author. Fax: ; adamczyk@atena.ios.krakow.pl Acceptation of different forms of data presentationas in original catalogues Selection of such programming tools which facilitate data presentation and management, which are userfriendly and modifable. Additionally, the presented solution uses interactive properties of World Wide Web (WWW) which is the up-to-date trend in information technology applications. 2. Brief description of the interactive part programming system KSP-OSN/WIN The interactive part programming system KSP-OSN/ WIN [1 4] consists of: Interactive programming system for CNC lathes- KSPT/WIN Interactive programming system for CNC milling machines and machining centres KSPF/WIN Tool path simulators 2D and 3D Postprocessors /98/$ Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. PII S (97)

Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 103 Fig. 1. Examples of machining contours imported from AutoCAD.

The KSP-OSN system can cooperate with Auto- CAD.

1 7 show the sequence of program forming. Program is automatically created on the background and can be viewed and edited by the user.

2 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 1. Examples of machining contours imported from AutoCAD. Technological databases are included in the KSP-OSN/ WIN system, according to user s specifications of tools, cutting inserts and tooling on the basis of manufacturers catalogues. The KSP-OSN system can cooperate with Auto- CAD. Geometrical information imported from Auto- CAD in DXF format can be transferred to KSP-OSN/WIN what allows to avoid redefining the geometry of a machined workpiece. Figs. 1 7 show the sequence of program forming. Program is automatically created on the background and can be viewed and edited by the user. Correctness of the machining program can be visually checked on request. Problem oriented KSP language used in the KSP-OSN/WIN system is parametrized. The system allows to create specialized technological libraries (Group Technology) oriented on production programme of the user. Parametric programming allows sophisticated 3D surfaces machining on three axis CNC machine tools (Fig. 7). Up-to-date machine tool controllers are characterized by different programming functions specific for given controllers, coded in ISO code. Programming of these functions is possible as KSP language accepts ISO-code statements embedded in KSP source program. The KSP-OSN/WIN can run in either Windows 3.x or Windows 95 operating systems. As a result the KSP-OSN/WIN system can interactively cooperate with the environment in which it is embedded. Fig. 2. Technology designing in KSPT/WIN by means of fixed cycles. Fig. 3. Technology designing in KSPF/WIN by means of fixed cycles.

104 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 Fig. 4. Example of technology designing in KSPT/WIN by means of Group Technology. 3.

Rapid Internet and Web development started when companies noticed how a useful communication tool the Web was in business activity [5].

Growth of interest in sophisticated applications on the Web causes demand on efficient tools helpful in applications design.

Microsoft Internet server IIS (Microsoft s Internet Information Server) contains support for CGI which is a part of large number of previous interactive Web applications.

3 104 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 4. Example of technology designing in KSPT/WIN by means of Group Technology. 3. Internet tools supporting creation of interactive applications on the web Fig. 6. Example of 3D simulation of 2D milling and drilling operations in KSPF/WIN. Rapid Internet and Web development started when companies noticed how a useful communication tool the Web was in business activity [5]. Lately, system designers drew their attention to interactive properties of the Web and the possibility of Web usage in CAD/CAM and distributed manufacturing systems. Growth of interest in sophisticated applications on the Web causes demand on efficient tools helpful in applications design. The interactive functional properties of the Web application being designed, can be obtained by using a browser with Common Gateway Interface (CGI). Microsoft Internet server IIS (Microsoft s Internet Information Server) contains support for CGI which is a part of large number of previous interactive Web applications. Designers of CGI applications can use such languages as Visual Basic, Visual C++. Script language Perl is also often used for CGI applications, mainly on UNIX platform. The primary advantage for CGI-based applications is the large base pre-existing code available but low effectiveness of CGI caused the development of Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI). There are many applications in ISAPI standard already. Developers familiar with DLL development will be able to quickly develop ISAPI DLLs that extend the functionality of Internet Information Server (IIS). Information on Web is available in the form of documents created in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). The official version of HTML servised by all Web browsers is 2.0. The current published version Fig. 5. Example of Group Technology 3D simulation. Fig. 7. Example of 3D simulation of tool path in KSPF/WIN.

Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102

4 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 8. Illustration of KSPT/WIN data base creation and running in Web environment. is HTML 3.2. If HTML document contains such objects as Java applets or ActiveX controls and scripts servicing these objects, powerful interactive application can be obtained. Interactive applications on the Internet are supported by Microsoft tools, i.e. Internet Software Development Kit which is a set of client application programming interfaces (APIs) that allows developers to add Internet functionality to Windowsbased applications. The access to databases in interactive applications on the Web is one of the most important features of such applications. This is made possible by Internet Database Connector, which is a part of IIS. It allows including SQL language statements to HTML documents by means of Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) package. Access to database can also be obtained thanks to Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI) or Common Gateway Interface (CGI). All these solutions assure access to Microsoft Access relational database or Microsoft SQL Server. Small applets written in Java can be included in HTML documents and run by Web browser as well. Another MS Windows technique is creation of OLE controls, which are distributed by the Web. Files in users site, which can be imported from the Web servers and run remotly can be enriched by additional functions written in VBScript based on Visual Basic and interpreted by browser. One of the most often published strategies for interactive applications on the Web is a concept of downloading application or its components from the Web to user s browser and run applications from browser site. This concept needs the application to be divided into components which are transfered to user s Web browser and run. State-of-the art in Internet tools allows creation of sophisticated interactive applications what is getting easier thanks to the constant progress in tools development. detailed data about tools, cutting inserts and tooling was used. After starting database program information about SANDVIK Coromant production programme is presented in the form of HTML document under Netscape browser as follows (Fig. 9): 80 inserts 55 inserts Copying inserts 35 inserts, etc. By clicking 80 inserts for example, the user can choose the required type of cutting insert, obtaining another document which shows possible applications of selected insert (Fig. 10) according to entering angle 95, 75, 95 (65 ). The user selects one of listed entering angles, for example 95, for two tooling systems: T-MAX P and T-MAX U, getting two toolholder systems, i.e. external shank holder and extenal BTS cutting unit. On clicking the active area corresponding for example to T-MAX P and BT size the system switches to the next document (Fig. 11) with dimension table with selected information, i.e. only for 95 entering angle. At this level ordering code can be established for selected size of the cutting insert and complete spare parts list can be read out. Selecting in T-MAX P document instead of BT external shank holder one obtains another document presenting dimensions of shank holders (Fig. 12) and type of cutting inserts available in data- 4. Databases of the KSP-OSN/WIN as an example of interactive application on the Web To implement and run technological database under Windows 95 operating system, Personal Web Server, FrontPage and a Web Server, e.g. Netscape Navigator have to be installed (Fig. 8). As a source of technological data, SANDVIK Coromont Catalogue of Turning Tools [6] contaning Fig. 9. List of SANSVIK Coromant external tool holder programme [6].

106 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 Fig. 10. Recommendations for 80 inserts applications [6]. base for this holders.

Ordering code is rather complicated, so help system supports the user in understanding the symbols used (Figs. 14 16). Each of table headings have insert icons (Fig.

On clicking the active area of the selected insert type, for example CNMM, system user goes to the next document which presents dimensions of the selected insert size (Figs.

Help system supports system user in basic geometry selection by taking into acount the kind of machining, machined material, chipbreaking range etc. (Fig. 19).

5 106 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 10. Recommendations for 80 inserts applications [6]. base for this holders. Selection from insert list (Fig. 9) other cutting insert, for example 55, causes switching of the HTML documents (Fig. 13) in the manner described above. Ordering code is rather complicated, so help system supports the user in understanding the symbols used (Figs ). Each of table headings have insert icons (Fig. 11) to be used in Block Tool System or external shank holder, i.e. CNMM, CNMG, CNGA, CNMA. On clicking the active area of the selected insert type, for example CNMM, system user goes to the next document which presents dimensions of the selected insert size (Figs. 17 and 18), ordering code for Coromant grades, such as Coated GC, cermet CT, uncoated and Fig. 12. T-MAX P 80 inserts for external shank holder and selected entering angle [6]. ceramic. Help system supports system user in basic geometry selection by taking into acount the kind of machining, machined material, chipbreaking range etc. (Fig. 19). Similarily, help system supports operator in understanding Code Key used in Sandvik Coromant indexable inserts coding (Fig. 20). It can be noticed that separate HTML documents representing part of catalogue pages are linked together forming tree structure which can be easily looked through. Any network browser has its own mechanisms which can be used in moving forward or backward along the paths of the documents structure. Documents structure is coupled with MS Access relational database, thus forming a technological database. Fig. 11. T-MAX P 80 inserts for external BTS cutting units and selected entering angle [6]. Fig. 13. Recommendations for 55 inserts applications [6].

Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 107 Fig. 14.

Advantages of the Web applications in CAD/CAM The most important advatage of the Web applications is creation of applications for different software and hardware platforms.

Another advantage of Web applications is centralized maintenance of distributed applications and cost reduction.

Help with explanations of Sandvik Coromant indexable inserts code key [6]. 6.

6 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 14. Help with explanations for ordering code of Sandvik Coromant external shank holders and Block Tool cutting units [6]. 5. Advantages of the Web applications in CAD/CAM The most important advatage of the Web applications is creation of applications for different software and hardware platforms. Applications using the Web server generate HTML documents which can be available on different platforms. Another advantage of Web applications is centralized maintenance of distributed applications and cost reduction. Upgrades installed on the Web server are immediately available to all users what eliminates uncompatibility problem. Fig. 16. Help with explanations of Sandvik Coromant indexable inserts code key [6]. 6. Conclusions Development and rapid spreading of World Wide Web has made the Internet an accessible and practical network for interactive applications not only in bussiness activities but in CAD/CAM and distributed manufacturing as well. This is a very promising direction in research and development works. Both CGI and ISAPI provide an interface between applications and IIS allowing developers to create sophisticated data-based applications on the Web. Study presented in this paper shows that creation of databases for CAD/CAM systems by means of Internet tools is possible and is a very promising approach. Fig. 15. Champing system explanation in help system [6]. Fig. 17. Dimension table of T-MAX P 80 single sided inserts [6].

108 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) 102 108 Fig. 18. Coromant grades for characteristic size of T-MAX P 80 single sided inserts [6]. Fig. 20.

The KSPF/WIN users on the Web can communicate with each other and exchange database contents and typical technological processes by Internet or Intranet network what will be available in the nearest

Presented approach to establishing databases for a CAD/CAM system on the example of KSPT/WIN database creation has shown interesting perspectives.

7 108 Z. Adamczyk, H. Malek / Journal of Materials Processing Technology 76 (1998) Fig. 18. Coromant grades for characteristic size of T-MAX P 80 single sided inserts [6]. Fig. 20. Inserts shape and included angle r in help system [6]. the proposed solution. The KSPF/WIN users on the Web can communicate with each other and exchange database contents and typical technological processes by Internet or Intranet network what will be available in the nearest future. References Fig. 19. Help supporting the system operator in basic geometry selection [6]. Presented approach to establishing databases for a CAD/CAM system on the example of KSPT/WIN database creation has shown interesting perspectives. Additionally, database can be created and extended by KSPT/WIN user himself which is a basic advantage of [1] Z. Adamczyk, T. Okarmus, Development of tool selection subsystem with a graphical support for KSP/WIN with a tool database, PIOS Reports, No. 7984, Cracow, Poland, [2] Z. Adamczyk, T. Okarmus, An interactive system for programming of NC machine tools KSP-OSN/WIN for MS Windows environment. Features and development perspectives, Mining Machines no. 1/51, KOMAG, Insert: Computer Aided Machine Design and Research, Gliwice, January [3] Z. Adamczyk, The interactive part programming system KSP- OSN/WIN for the MS WINDOWS environment, Proc. Int. Conf. on Computer Integrated Manufacturing, CIM 96, Zakopane, 1996, pp [4] Z.Adamczyk, Development of tool and tooling database for KSPT/WIN system on the basis of SANDVIK and other tool manufacturers catalogues by means of Internet tools, PIOS Reports no. 8147, Cracow, [5] D. Hazarika, Developing and Deploying Interactive Applications on the Internet, ActiveX-MSDN Library, Microsoft, [6] SANDVIK Coromant, Turning Tool. Metalworking products 93/94, C-1000:4-ENG..

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