The general machining process simulator GMPS

Automated manufacturing system is characterized by flexibility. It aims at producing a variety of products with virtually no time loses to change over from one part to the next. In this paper, the Machining Process Simulator GMPS is introduced, which can be used as a supported environment for machining process. It can be executed off-line or on-line in manufacturing systems in order to predict the collisions of tool with machined workpieces, fixtures or pallets. First, the functional model of GMPS is described, then adopted critical techniques in the simulator are introduced. Finally, an application of GMPS in CIMS ERC of China is presented.