From computer-aided to intelligent machining: Recent advances in computer numerical control machining research

TLDR

Recent research in computer numerical control machining focuses on simulation, optimization, and automation, with feature technology—especially multi‑form surface features—enabling intelligent manufacturing of complex parts such as aircraft structures. The article introduces recent advances in key technologies and supporting systems for computational numerical control machining and outlines future R&D trends. The authors present a new multi‑perspective dynamic feature concept as part of their latest research in intelligent machining. The multi‑perspective dynamic feature concept was implemented and tested on aerospace examples, showing promise for advancing intelligent machining research. The authors are guest editors of the special issue on computational numerical control machining.

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide an introduction and overview of recent advances in the key technologies and the supporting computerized systems and to indicate the trend of research and development in the area of computational numerical control machining. Three main themes of recent research in computer numerical control machining are simulation, optimization and automation, which form the key aspects of intelligent manufacturing in the digital- and knowledge-based manufacturing era. As the information and knowledge carrier, feature is the efficacious way to achieve intelligent manufacturing. From the regular-shaped feature to freeform surface feature (FSF), the feature technology has been used in manufacturing of complex parts, such as aircraft structural parts. The authors’ latest research in intelligent machining is presented through a new concept of multi-perspective dynamic feature, for future discussion and communication with readers of this special issue. The multi-perspective dynamic feature concept has been implemented and tested in real examples from the aerospace industry and has the potential to make promising impact on the future research in the new paradigm of intelligent machining. The authors of this article are the guest editors of this special issue on computational numerical control machining. The guest editors have extensive and complementary experiences in both academia and industry, gained in China, United States, and United Kingdom.