Desenvolvimento de um programa didático computacional destinado à geração de códigos de comando numérico a partir de modelos 3D obtidos em plataforma CAD considerando a técnica prototipagem rápida

Abstract

In this work is presented a didactic software developed that promotes an automation for code applied in CNC machines (the G code) generation process, this is done by extracting data from 3D models created in some CAD platform. This software developed using theVisual Basic programming language is able to control the CAD system, AutoCAD® release 2008, externally by using an ActiveX type automation technology known as VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). A 3D model and some users parameters are the entries for this software and a CNC code directly applicable in CNC machines is generated as output. This code has an embedded strategy similar to that used by the Rapid Prototyping method to build a part. In this case, this part is built considering all the layers generated from the 3D models directslicing modeled in some CAD system. To validate the developed software; a free manufacturing process simulation software, named CNCSimulator and physical prototype manufactured, by a CNC machine, using prototyping by material removal, were used. The developed software, the application and the used strategy to manufacture the designed part are considered the products of the present work. The work validates the proposal to use the program as a tool in teaching subjects related to the mechanical design and manufacturing processes within the scope in the field of Engineering. The use of the AutoCAM softwarerequires from the user the development of strategies that allow representing the geometry of a part using how many 3D models as needed to represent the external contours and cavities, such that the sum of these actions will result in the final prototype.