Abstract: To realize the effective reuse of numerical control (NC) machining process, a 3D CAD model retrieval driven rapid NC programming method for NC machining process reuse is presented. A feature-based machining process model is elaborated to effectively represent the existing NC machining process. 3D CAD model retrieval method based on manufacturing semantics is introduced to realize the similarity assessment between manufacturing features. Two NC machining process reuse modes are proposed to realize the rapid NC programming according to manufacturing feature similarities. The approach proposed is implemented and tested by hundreds of mechanical parts in the phototype system. Preliminary results show that the method can effectively realize the reuse of NC machining process, and the efficiency can meet the requirement of engineering application.

Key words: 3D CAD model retrieval;manufacturing semantics;process reuse;rapid NC programming