Research and implement of CATIA parametric modelling-based cutter information integration in VERICUT

Xianguang Kong, Yihui Li, Lei Yin, Xiaowen Wang

School of Electromechanical Engineering Xidian University, Xian, Shaanxi, 710071, China

In order to achieve the integration of the VERICUT tool library and tool management software, this paper studies the VERICUT tool integration technology based on CATIA parametric modelling. As the tool modelling ability is limited, VERICUT can neither achieve complex tool modelling nor generate the tool model by parameterization. Therefore, the secondary development based on VERICUT is unable to meet the integration requirements of tool information. This paper proposes a new integration approach, which transforms the integration of VERICUT and tool management software into VERICUT and CATIA tool information. Meanwhile, a feasible integrated development process is put forward. First, the tool model is parametrically driven by CATIA. Then, the integration of the CATIA tool library and tool management software is realized based on CAA. Finally, the transformation of CATIA and VERICUT tool model is accomplished, which indirectly realizes the integration of the VERICUT tool library and tool management software. During the NC machining simulation, VERICUT inherits the tool information and model generated by CATIA NC programming, which can ensure consistency with the tool information in tool management software. This paper solves the problem of integration of tool management software and VERICUT in the context of a digital manufacturing project; successful application of the proposed approach has greatly improved the efficiency of NC programming.