Standard API for Open-architecture CNC and It’s Application to HMI and Operation Monitoring

JOP (Japan Open System Promotion Group) has been conducted the CNC API standardization for three years to provide the environment to implement custom HMI and communication tools with upper controllers. The specification of the API set: PAPI (Principal Application Program Interface) has defined and becomes new Japanese standard. This API has developed for open CNC systems that involve three types of open controllers including proprietary NC systems. PAPI consists of two group API sets such as Basic API and Extended API. This paper describes its development concept, specification and example results that could simultaneously control two different manufacturers controller by the same HMI. This development could accelerate the spread of open NC systems in real manufacturing field.