Laboratory for Manufacturing and Sustainability

Robust interoperability methods are needed in manufacturing systems to implement computeraided process planning algorithms and to verify their effectiveness. In this paper we discuss applying MTConnect, an open-source standard for data exchange in manufacturing systems, in addressing two specific issues in process planning and verification. We use data from an MTConnect-compliant machine tool to estimate the cycle time required for machining complex parts in that machine. MTConnect data is also used in verifying the conformance of toolpaths to the required part features by comparing the features created by the actual tool positions to the required part features using CAD tools. We demonstrate the capabilities of MTConnect in easily enabling process planning and verification in an industrial environment.