Methods and software for reducing machining equipment usage when machining multiple objects from a single workpiece
First Claim
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1. A method of providing a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material, the method comprising:
- receiving, a graphical representation of a temporary support frame to be machined from the body of material, wherein the graphical representation of the temporary support frame includes;
first and second surfaces spaced from one another; and
an opening for receiving graphical representations of computer models of the plurality of objects, the opening extending from the first side to the second side;
receiving a selection of the graphical representations of the plurality of objects to be machined from the workpiece;
locating the graphical representations of the plurality of objects in the opening so that the graphical representations of the plurality of objects are spaced from one another and from the graphical representation of the temporary support frame so as to permit machining of the plurality of objects;
receiving an identification of one or more excess unoccupied regions within the opening after the locating of the graphical representations of the plurality of objects;
for each excess unoccupied region, generating a graphical representation of an occupying structure occupying at least one of the one or more excess unoccupied regions; and
generating a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material, wherein the workpiece computer model further comprises information for generating a machine control instruction set for controlling machining equipment to machine the plurality of objects into discrete objects so that when machining operations on the body of material are done, each occupying structure substantially remains as a remnant of the machining.
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Abstract
Methods for providing a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material. A temporary support frame is provided as part of a two-sided machining process in which the workpiece is partially milled from an obverse side. The machine-control instructions are also based on one or more occupying structures added to the workpiece to fill in one or more excess unoccupied regions of the workpiece that would otherwise be machined away during machining of the objects. Providing such occupying structure(s) reduces the amount of machining that needs to be performed.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of providing a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material, the method comprising:
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receiving, a graphical representation of a temporary support frame to be machined from the body of material, wherein the graphical representation of the temporary support frame includes; first and second surfaces spaced from one another; and an opening for receiving graphical representations of computer models of the plurality of objects, the opening extending from the first side to the second side; receiving a selection of the graphical representations of the plurality of objects to be machined from the workpiece; locating the graphical representations of the plurality of objects in the opening so that the graphical representations of the plurality of objects are spaced from one another and from the graphical representation of the temporary support frame so as to permit machining of the plurality of objects; receiving an identification of one or more excess unoccupied regions within the opening after the locating of the graphical representations of the plurality of objects; for each excess unoccupied region, generating a graphical representation of an occupying structure occupying at least one of the one or more excess unoccupied regions; and generating a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material, wherein the workpiece computer model further comprises information for generating a machine control instruction set for controlling machining equipment to machine the plurality of objects into discrete objects so that when machining operations on the body of material are done, each occupying structure substantially remains as a remnant of the machining. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification