Abstract

The practical value and the features of 3D-CAD in geometry, machining and drawing interchange files for Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) are analyzed and described. A simple practical set of methods in which a variety of 3D complex shape drawings suitable for WEDM could be easily created, analyzed and transferred to other forms for Wire Electric Discharge Machining have also been developed and are introduced here towards the aim of integrating of CAD-CAM based on AUTOCAD Release 11. A communication protocol between CAD and CAM has been set up, that is to say , a DXF interface programme has been developed to communicate with AUTOCAD via the DXF mechanism to create a standard database which makes it possible to realise the integration of CAD and CAM. A universal control programme has also been developed which is suitable for machining any kind of complex shaped model in WEDM. Improving the accuracy of WEDM machining by means of integrating CAD and CAM is discussed. Lastly, a number of WEDM tests have been performed by the way of integration of CAD and CAM which proved that the simulation cutting, the methods adopted, programmes developed and conclusions mentioned here are satisfactory.