Original Date: 04/01/1993
Revision Date: 01/19/2007

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA)-West utilizes software packages designed for verification of NC programs that substantially reduce the proofing cycle of NC codes while improving first time quality and reducing costs. NC programmers generate programs from electronic engineering models, and these NC programs, run on Hewlett-Packard dedicated workstations, are simulated and verified using Vericut ^TM software available from CG Tech. The software demonstrates the programmed cutting of a solid model including cutting tools and parameters. This allows the programmer to verify the NC program results in a part configuration matching the engineering model.

MDA has also written software packages to ensure the correct tool definition is maintained through the program and correct procedures are used which are not included in the Vericut ^TM program. After verifying the NC program, a post-processor generates the specific machine control language. Because the generic data can be converted incorrectly resulting in invalid motion statements, MDA has created a reverse post-processor to verify the final code.

Implementation of this NC program verification system has greatly enhanced first time quality. Although the NC programmer spends approximately 10% to 25% more time preparing the program, hardware is correct the first time at a rate of 99%.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.