Abstract: A computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching includes client computers (6), a server (1), and a database (2). The client computers are used for transmitting client drawings to the server, and obtaining machining drawings from the server. The database is used for storing the client drawings, punching tool information, turret information, punching tool layout information, relevant production management information, machining drawings of workpieces, and statements for control of machining processes. The server is connected to a production management system (3) through a network (4), and is used for automatically selecting, mounting and laying out punching tools, optimizing turrets, simulating machining of workpieces, and exporting CNC (computer numerical control) code files, types of machines, machining information on workpieces and materials of the workpieces to the production management system in order to have statements for control of relevant machining processes generated.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shapes of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for turret optimizing is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and a number of client computers (7). The apparatus (2) resides in the server, and includes a punching tool layout information obtaining module (10), a manufacturing path setting module (20), a reference punching tool selecting module (30), a fixed punching tool determining module (40), a co-radius optimizing module (50), and an included angle calculating module (60). The apparatus is used for obtaining punching tool layout information, optimizing sequences of punching tools' locations on a turret, and recording turret information.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and a number of client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shape of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching includes client computers (6), a server (1), and a database (2). The client computers are used for transmitting client drawings to the server, and obtaining machining drawings from the server. The database is used for storing the client drawings, punching tool information, turret information, punching tool layout information, relevant production management information, machining drawings of workpieces, and statements for control of machining processes. The server is connected to a production management system (3) through a network (4), and is used for automatically selecting, mounting and laying out punching tools, optimizing turrets, simulating machining of workpieces, and exporting CNC (computer numerical control) code files, types of machines, machining information on workpieces and materials of the workpieces to the production management system in order to have statements for control of relevant machining processes generated.