Generating the measurement points based on finishing NC data

Inspecting the machined-product shape demands accurate measurement of a large number of measurement points, such that the actual shape may be fully characterised. Basically, the measurement points are generated manually by the operator by inspecting the machined-product model. However, for high variety low mass production, the generation of the measurement points needs to be done automatically to increase the measuring efficiency. This paper aims to develop a method that can automatically generate the measurement points for any 3D shape, machined by 3 axis milling machine, without the need to inspect the machined-product model. The generation of the measurement points is based on finishing NC data. The proposed method involves the following main steps: extracting the CL points from the NC data, sorting the extracted points and finally estimating the machined-product surface coordinates from the extracted and sorted CL points via projection process. The estimated machined-product surface coordinates are used as measurement points. Consequently some illustrative examples show the possibility that the method can be applied to various 3D shapes, machined by 3-axis milling machine.