A novel virtual experimentation approach to planning and training for manufacturing processes--the virtual machine shop

This paper discusses the use of a virtual experimentation environment as a planning and training tool for machining processes. This approach involves the virtual performance of machining processes within a Virtual Machine Shop environment. The features of this environment enable the user to set up a process, to operate a machine tool, to edit and execute an NC part program in an immersive and interactive way. Additional functions are provided in order to support process verification in terms of geometrical, technical and economic characteristics. A test case is presented in order to demonstrate the simulation functions of the Virtual Machine Shop and the capability of the system to deal with machining planning and training problems.