The subject matter disclosed herein relates to computer-aided manufacturing, and apparatus, systems, means, and methods for concurrent multi-user computer-aided manufacturing in particular.
Computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) systems have forced users into a strictly serial process that has limited the efficiency of the tool path planning systems. The CAM system user typically selects the machining environment, then analyzes and creates supporting geometries by defining the stock material size and shape, setting the machine coordinate system, specifying the machine to be used, and identifying the work piece. What follows is typically an iterative process in which the user defines a manufacturing operation by selecting an appropriate cutting pattern, tool, depth per cut, cut area, etc. The user may start with a roughing operation, then analyze the remaining material, choose the next operation (e.g., semi-roughing, finishing, or adding features such as slots, holes, or chamfers) and repeat until all the excess material has been addressed and the part manufacturing process has been fully defined.
Besides the efficiency constraints created by the iterative nature of CAM process planning, additional limitations may arise due to a CAM system user's lack of knowledge or experience with a particular machine involved in the manufacturing process. The user may have to put process planning on hold while seeking additional information or assistance from a more experienced user.
Given the foregoing, what is needed is additional and improved systems and methods for concurrent multi-user computer-aided manufacturing, in particular, systems and methods that facilitate multiple simultaneous users. The embodiments disclosed herein were developed in response to these issues.