The Design to Production Process
There is a standard process that is followed for most design to production activities. Developing an understanding of the general process will be a key component in any study of CNC machining. Consideration of each step will help ensure a successful outcome. The design to production process follows the steps below:
- A Part is Proposed: this is the idea stage. The need for some part is expressed and a decision is made to produce the part.
- The Geometry is Created: This is the design stage. The geometry for a proposed part is drafted. This can be done in a drafting program like AUTOCAD or it may be done in the actual CAM software.
- The Toolpaths are Applied: In this stage, toolpaths are applied to the geometry created for the part. This is done in the CAM software.
- The Proposed Part is Verified: This is a testing stage. The computer is used to run a graphic stimulation of the proposed machining. This allows the programmer to check for errors in shape or size and to check for possible machining problems.
- Post Numeric Processing: In this stage, the computer is used to generate the machine code necessary to guide a machine tool through the production of the proposed part. This process is called posting.
- Production: In this stage, the part program that was generated by the posting in the previous stage if downloaded to a machine tool and the part is cut.
- Finishing: The activities in this stage depend on the part. This stage may include cutting the part from the stock, sanding or polishing the part, or the assembly of several parts into the finished product.
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