Virtual Machining Systems for CNC Milling and Turning Machine Tools: A Review

Virtual manufacturing systems are developed by simulating real manufacturing processes in digital environments in order to increase accuracy as well as efficiency of part production. Accuracy of the produced parts can be increased by errors can also be analyzed and decreased by using virtual machining systems. Moreover, optimization methods can be applied to the simulated manufacturing processes in the virtual environments to improve efficiency of part production by using optimized cutting conditions. Elements of machine tools can be simulated, analyzed and modified by using virtual machining system. The simulated machining processes in virtual environments can be used in training monitoring and analyzing errors of simulated manufacturing processes in virtual environments. In order to boost accuracy of produced parts, effects of machining operation errors such as dimensional, geometrical, thermal and tool deflection programs without the need of shop floor testing. The most suitable methods of part production can be selected by applying process planning methodologies to the simulated manufacturing processes in the virtual environments. Furthermore, the parts can be analyzed in virtual environments using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to provide the error effects analysis. In this paper, a review of virtual machining systems for CNC milling as well as turning machine tools is presented and future research works are also suggested. As a result, it is hoped that the research filed can be moved forward by reviewing and analyzing recent achievements in the published papers.