Development of a data model and a prototype information sharing platform for DEMAT machine tools

The design of typical CNC machine tools has remained relatively static over the last thirty years, and gradual improvements can be classified as being evolutionary. The emerging concept of a dematerialised CNC machine tool extenuates from the need to reduce machine tool raw material use in terms of mass by up to 60%. An important requirement for this concept is a detailed catalogue of machine tool parts that links individual components, their attributes and functionalities to ensure that all mass in a machine tool adds value. This article describes DEMAT machine tools and presents research pertaining to the development of a data model and a novel information-sharing platform (ISP) that supports and enables the design of a dematerialised machine tool. It provides a unique approach to design and life cycle monitoring of machines. An experimental software system has been developed using UML machine tool data models implemented as Java classes, and an SQL database is used to store machine tool component data. The database has been populated with typical machine tool components to demonstrate the functionality of the prototype ISP, when developing DEMAT machine tools.status: publishe

A roadmap for STEP-NC-enabled interoperable manufacturing

The STEP-NC-AP 238 and ISO 14649 standard is the result of a 10-year international effort to replace the RS274D (ISO 6983) G and M code standard with a modern associative language that connects the CAD design data used to determine the machining requirements for an operation with the CAM process data that is used in creating a machining solution to satisfy these requirements. STEP-NC builds on the previous 10 years effort to develop the STEP neutral data standard for CAD data, and uses the modern geometric constructs in that standard to specify device independent tool paths, and CAM independent volume removal features. STEP-Manufacturing, Team 24 in Working Group 3 (WG3) of ISO TC184/SC4, is developing and validating the STEP-NC standard in liaison with Working Group (WG7) of ISO TC184/SC1 who provides the domain-specific input (ISO 14649) used within the standard. This paper reviews the demonstrations carried out by STEP-Manufacturing over the past 10 years. These demonstrations have been international collaborations between industry, academia, and research agencies. Each demonstration focused on extending the STEP-NC data model for a different application.</p

Informed consent in research ethics: An analysis from the perspective of Luhmann’s social systems theory

We explore the origins and dynamics of ethical communication with reference to the requirements for informed consent provision in research ethics. We adopt the analytical framework developed in Luhmann’s social systems theory to illustrate how ethical communication about informed consent has developed in the medical, legal and scientific systems. We would like to suggest that the development of ethical communication is the result of the developing semantics of individuality and personhood. Our analysis adds specific observations about how communication about research ethics, and informed consent specifically, reduces complexity in an increasingly functionally differentiated society