A web-based STEP-NC-compliant architecture for low cost 3D part manufacturing

This paper presents an architecture of a computerised numerical controller (CNC) compliant with the ISO 14649 standard (STEP-NC) through an adapter that converts a program in the STEP-NC format to G-code. This architecture attempts to enable the implementation and dissemination of the STEP-NC standard in any company that performs numerically controlled machining operations. The STEP-NC controller is based on the open source LinuxCNC controller, which is compliant with the ISO 6983 standard (G-code). In order to validate the architecture a machine tool was built, having LinuxCNC on a personal computer. The controller is integrated with the STEP part 21 data model (ISO 10303 standard) using an adapter that reads a STEP-NC file generated by a software that models a 3D part via the internet. The LinuxCNC controller runs the STEP-NC file transparently, and the results are shown through a case study with the manufacture of an example part. [Received 6 June 2015; Revised 23 October 15; Accepted 2 December 2015]