| The objective of this research is to develop an interactive, intelligent simulation model, named NC-LATHE, for NC lathe training. NC-LATHE consists of seven systems: (1) lathe operation advisors, (2) program development system, (3) lathe setup system, (4) execution system, (5) Manual Data Input (MDI) system, (6) reporting system, and (7) editing system.;Three embedded rule-based systems in the lathe operation advisors system assist the user in selecting workholding devices and machining operations. An operations troubleshooter is used to diagnose several most frequently encountered operations problems during the execution phase with probable causes and recommendations. The program development system allows the user to develop an NC lathe program interactively. The lathe setup system is designed for simulating the setup of the tool, clamp, and workpiece before executing an NC program. The execution system consists of a program format checker, demonstration programs, and a simulation model. The program format checker can verify the NC program. Fourteen NC programs are included in NC-LATHE to demonstrate the coordinate system of the lathe model, the offset of three cutting tools, the lathe model capabilities, and basic lathe operations. On the simulation model, a dynamic pictorial information is provided for simulating the NC lathe operation. The MDI system simulates manual data input control via control buttons displayed on the screen. The necessary messages will be displayed via the reporting system. The editing system allows the user to write, edit, save, and print the NC program.;Two checklists are used to ensure the quality of NC-LATHE. Ten cases with various machining operations on the lathe have been used to illustrate the system in practical circumstances. The results indicate that NC-LATHE provides accurate and effective numerical control of most lathe operations. Twenty students were involved in evaluating the effectiveness of NC-LATHE as a training tool and programming aid. The results show that NC-LATHE can be used as a tool to assist the instructor and the student in teaching and learning NC programming and lathe operation. The result of user interface evaluation indicates that NC-LATHE provides a friendly and efficient study environment. |
