Development of Augmented Reality (AR) for machining simulation of 3-axis CNC milling

Machining simulation to verify the correctness of numerical control (NC) program before physically downloaded and executed to a real machine tool is a common practice in many industries. Many simulation system that previously enhanced and applied based on 3D graphics in virtual reality (VR) environment, require measuring of completely dimension of a real machine tool before modeling of a complete machine tool. Besides, a large number of machining rules and theories must be modeled correctly as well as simulate complex machining process require prior expertise knowledges. This paper proposes machining simulation system which is easier to set up and operate through integrating with the Augmented Reality (AR). By integrating AR, machining simulation can be performed on a real machine tool without the needs to model the machine itself, machining rules, and theories thus provides more accurate NC program. The developed system can assist the user for positioning collision-free set up which is commonly occurs especially when conducting complex motion during machining process. A more detailed discussion related to AR development for machining simulation is presented in the paper.