[step-manufacturing] Minutes of Conference Call -- June 17, 2011

[David Loffredo]

2011-06-17 - STEP Manufacturing Conference Call Minutes

Attendees
Alain Brail, AlBavis (Airbus retired),  France
Andreas Archenti, KTH, Sweden
Bengt Olsson, Sandvik, Sweden
David Loffredo, STEP Tools, USA
Erik Jacobson, GE Energy, USA
Fred Proctor, NIST, USA
Larry Maggiano, Mitutoyo, USA
Leon Xu, Boeing, USA
Michael Mariani, IQL, USA
Vincent Marchini, Ameritech, USA


Apologies for Absence:
David Odendahl, Boeing, USA
Martin Hardwick, STEP Tools, USA
Mikael Hedlind, KTH, Sweden
Ronnie Fesperman, NIST, USA
Sid Venkatesh, Boeing, USA


Dave Loffredo gave a presentation on the National Simulation Service
SBIR project being done by STEP Tools, and showed some of the material
removal calculations that are now possible.  The service will bring
together CAD, process, cutting tool, and machine tool models using
STEP, STEP-NC, and ISO 13399 standards-based interfaces, provide a
rich web interface, and let users test manufacturing plans with models
of actual tools and machines to see if they meet the tolerance goals.

Fred asked about testing, whether NIST would be a machining facility
during testing.  Dave expects to start testing deployment towards the
end of Phase II.  NIST would be a great start, will be talking with
STEP manufacturing, would like to test with AVM equipmemt as well.  He
expects that this service will consume machine tool models produced by
other projects.  Will be the first of many services.

Bengt commented that it is important to see if the results of the
machining program meets requirements, which needs more than collision
detection.  Dave noted that CAD systems are beginning to export STEP
GD&T, which when combined with the machine tool error models, enable
testing the tolerances. Bengt also noted the need for testing against
the fixtures and workspace of the machine to detect potential crashes
and interference.

Larry Maggiano raised the point that, to increase commercial buy-in,
it would be valuable to be able to find the brand-identity of the
cutting tool or machine tool models within the service, Dave agreed
and raised the point that the tooling suppliers would probably want to
have their entire catalog available so that users can test programs
with specific Sandvik, Kennametal, or other tools.

Alain Brail asked about the process libraries and whether they would
include knowledge and best practices for optimization.  Dave replied
that having a standard-based interface opens new opportunities to
create libraries of canned cycles as well as for others to provided
CAM-like services that incorporate the best practices.

Michael Mariani mentioned some generic machine behavior models that
IQL might be able to provide when the service reaches alpha or beta
testing.

Fred Proctor discussed a recent telecon with Army representatives
about upcoming IBIF Army Mantech solicitation.  In early-mid July in
we can expect to see a draft RFP in FedBizOps based on the response to
the RFI a month ago.  There will be a telecon for feedback and after a
one week comment period, the final form of the RFP will circulate for
a 30day period.  After a review period, they expect to announce awards
in time for the Defense Manufacturing Conference in November.

Fred also mentioned the IFAC Symposium on Information Control Probems
on Manufacturing, which will be held May 23-25, 2012 in Bucharest
Romania and noted that they have a special session on data modeling of
manufacturing systems and processes, which is relevant to this group.


	http://www.incom12.ro/

Fred also mentioned the Open Manufacturing BAA from Darpa, and
mentioned that NIST will be meeting with Darpa on it.


A recording of the call is on the ftp site at the address below. The 
next call will be at the usual times on Friday July 1st.

ftp://ftp.steptools.com/private/Undecided/stepmanuf_telecon_20110617.wmv