*W Brian Rowe (1), **C Statham, **J W Liverton, **J L Moruzzi

*School of Engineering, John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, England, UK

**Jones & Shipman plc, Leicester, LE3 2LF, England, UK

Tel: +44-116-289-6222, Fax: +44-116-233-6974

Abstract

This paper reviews traditional and modern approaches to control systems architecture and CNC software design. A software framework is proposed, known as the open CNC interface (OCI), as a possible solution to the problem of providing portable CNC application software. This approach allows portable CNC software to be developed and re-used over a number of open CNCs. The OCI is characterized by a layered approach in which object oriented techniques are used to provide a hierarchical structure and to allow event driven programming. Implementation has been demonstrated on two models in a new range of CNC grinding machines.

Key Words: CNC, grinding, open systems