Interactive software for machine tool programming

An interactive part programming system for numerically-controlled machine tools has been expanded and improved. Experience with student use of the system in the manufacturing laboratory has led to development of software to produce hardcopy plots of the cutting tool path and to allow in-process editing. The software is used to produce part programs for two milling machines which exhibit radically different controller capabilities and input requirements. Application of a microcomputer system having a touchscreen feature is discussed.