A web-based virtual CNC turn-milling system

This paper presents a different web-based virtual turn-milling system, which aims to address the common problems of existed systems. The system has not only economical value, such as shortening product cycle from design to market, but also scientific interest, like proposing a new trajectory planning method. In other words, it helps sellers and buyers better understand products and enables planners and machinists to make decision or verify CNC codes much more accurate and faster. This system is made up of three levels, which is client browser, server, and database, and every level is divided into several specified functions. Among all the functions, turn-milling simulation function is the most crucial part. To enhance the system’s features, many sub-function modules are also adopted in simulation functions. Through these modules, the system implements material removal function, tool trajectory planning function, numerical control (NC) code inputting and compiling function, and so on. To realize these functions, the whole machining system is developed by using the network superiority of Java language and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) technology interaction, which will also lead to smaller data volume. Owing to the transportability of Java language and VRML technology as well as the good understandability of the system, this web-based virtual turn-milling system is also suitable to the dynamic demonstration and machining simulation of other NC machine tools. Some future research directions are given to perfect the system in the end.