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A review of G code, STEP, STEP-NC, and open architecture control technologies based embedded CNC systems

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Abstract

Computer Numeric Control (CNC) is a significant pillar of manufacturing for decades. These systems are an essential part of future manufacturing. In the urge towards the development of next-generation manufacturing systems, various technologies have been introduced. Moreover, based on those technologies, numerous systems have been developed all around the world. In order to assist in future research, the related major technologies and developments are discussed in this content. This paper presents the review of basics CN), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Process Planning (CAPP), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), G codes (ISO 6983), Standard for the Exchange of Product (STEP) model data (STEP), STEP-numeric control (STEP-NC), and open architecture control (OAC) technologies. The in-depth discussion on the development and implementation of the STEP and STEP-NC technologies is also addressed. The review also highlights the benefits and role of the open architecture control technology in the CNC system development. Apart from that, the paper also presents the last 17 years of embedded CNC systems development in tabular form, which shows the cocktail of various technologies and ISO data interface models. Finally, the paper concludes with future directions and recommendations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Sustainable and Responsive Manufacturing (SUSREM) research group, and the Center of Research and Innovation Management (CRIM) of Universiti Teknikal Melaka (UTeM). The authors also acknowledge the support of the Advanced Manufacturing and Material Centre (AMMC) of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), and Production Laboratory of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Funding

This work is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Malaysia under the Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS) number PRGS/2020/FTKMP-COSSID/T00026.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Melaka, Malaysia

    Kamran Latif

  2. Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, Malaysia

    Anbia Adam & Yusri Yusof

  3. School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Tecknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru, Malaysia

    Aini Zuhra Abdul Kadir

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  1. Kamran Latif
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  2. Anbia Adam
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  3. Yusri Yusof
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  4. Aini Zuhra Abdul Kadir
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Contributions

Kamran Latif and Anbia Adam contributed to the literature research. Kamran Latif, Yusri Yusof, and Aini Zuhra Abdul Kadir contributed to the data optimization, analysis, and structure. Kamran Latif contributed to the writing of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kamran Latif.

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Latif, K., Adam, A., Yusof, Y. et al. A review of G code, STEP, STEP-NC, and open architecture control technologies based embedded CNC systems. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 114, 2549–2566 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-06741-z

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