|
 It's been 50 years since G and M codes were first introduced for CNC
machines. A new standard, STEP-NC, was recently approved to allow
geometric data from CAD and CAM files to be directly read
by CNC machines. Experts believe it will take a few years for equipment
makers to begin building machines that accept the new standard, but
when it happens, it could cut set up times by as much as 35% and
engineering work to convert CAD to CNC files by 75%. It also will allow
a new level of standardization for manufacturing facilities building
the same parts in different regions of the globe. Are you ready for
STEP-NC?
The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plant & Facilities Engineering, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plant & Facilities Engineering today.
| 
