Applications of virtual reality in turn-milling centre

Virtual reality (VR) is a high-end human computer interface that strives to immerse the designers and users completely in a virtual interactive environment for a simulation of real world. In order to meet the requirements of market competition, VR technologies can not only reduce effectively the time and cost, but also optimize complex products in the design process. PVAS (Products Virtual Analysis System) is developed in the paper. The system can realize three main functions. Firstly, products are displayed for the designers and users with stereo glasses. Secondly, products performance is analyzed and optimized in virtual environment. Thirdly, virtual machining and virtual assembly are realized. At present, the translation of data form CAD to virtual reality is often unidirectional and unsatisfactory. Since the limitation is the different data formats used for CAD and VR, two different approaches are proposed in the paper. Finally, the paper takes virtual reality applications in turn-milling centre an example. Using three-dimensional computer graphics, interactive devices, and stereo glasses, turn-milling centre machining simulation can be realized in a virtual world as if it were in the real world. Therefore the method that complex products based on VR are analyzed is significant and has application value.