Depth-Based Feature Recognition of Blind Pockets and Islands from STEP AP242 CAD Models for Milling Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22153/kej.2026.06.002الكلمات المفتاحية:
CNC; milling machine; geometric information; STEP AP242; feature recognition; blind pocket; islandالملخص
The identification of blind pocket and island features in modern computer-aided design (CAD) and in the manufacturing of 3D CAD models is crucial. It ensures the accuracy and efficiency in the computer numerical control (CNC) machining process. These features often pose challenges for automated detection. This study proposes an automated method for detecting blind pockets and islands in Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) AP242 files using a depth-based approach. The methodology involves analysing geometric information from the STEP file, arranging regions by depth (Z-values) and recognising between blind pocket and island features. The approach uses a series of geometric algorithms to detect edges, vertices and surfaces, followed by the identification of areas with different depths. Three case studies were employed to demonstrate the method’s ability and effectiveness in accurately detecting features. Results show that a feature recognition success rate of 100% was achieved for the case studies, implying that the developed method for blind pocket and island detection is effective and reliable.
التنزيلات
المراجع
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https://doi.org/10.21608/auej.2024.259608.1580.
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https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2-1153-48792
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https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2020.12.07.022
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https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V69I6P222
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https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.15.11194
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https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2022.14.04.012
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2020.05.209
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19694
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https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910847
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.01.065
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http://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v31.i3.pp1362-1371
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-017-1554-9
[17] Bitla, Venu., Venkateswara, Rao, Komma. STEP-based feature recognition from solid models having non-planar surfaces. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 30(10), 1011-1028, 2017.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2016.1268719
[18] Fusaomi, Nagata., Yusaku, Yamane., Yudai, Okada., Takamasa, Kusano., Keigo, Watanabe., Maki, K., Habib. Development of a post-processor approach for an industrial robot, FANUC R2000iC. Artificial Life and Robotics, 23(2), 186-191, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1007/S10015-017-0411-0
[19] Qinbo, Li., Sheng-Jen, Hsieh. An intelligent tutoring system for computer numerical control programming. International Journal of Engineering Education, 35(1), 252-261. 2019. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:145933075
[20] Kamran, Latif., Anbia, Adam., Yusri, Yusof., Aini, Zuhra, Abdul, Kadir. A review of G code, STEP, STEP-NC, and open architecture control technologies based embedded CNC systems. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 114(9), 2549-2566, 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-06741-z
[21] Sreeramulu Dowluru, Suman P, and Satish Kumar Adapa. "A New Methodology to Extract Machining Features from Prismatic Parts." International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology (ICAET'2014), 29-30, 2014.
http://dx.doi.org/10.15242/IIE.E0314081
[22] Abd Rahman, Z., Mohamed, S. B., Minhat, M., & Abd Rahman, Z. Design and development of 3-axis Benchtop CNC milling machine for educational purpose. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 15(1), 145-160, 2023.
https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2023.15.01.013
[23] Omar, Muhammad Haziq, Siti Nurul Akmal Yusof, Saiful Bahri Mohamed, Amirulihsan Mohamad, Raja Fatin Najiha Raja Anuar, Zammeri Abd Rahman, Yutaka Asako, and Huang Da. "Milling Features Recognition Methodology of Rectangular Fillet Blind Pocket for Universal Data Structure." Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology 30, no. 3 57-68, 2023.
https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.30.3.5768.
[1] Monir, Koura., Omar, Koura., Tamer, Sayed. Geometric data extraction methodology from step file for cylindrical parts. Journal of Al-Azhar University Engineering Sector, no. 71 698–708, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.21608/auej.2024.259608.1580.
[2] Uddin, Mohammad Moin, Keith Johnson, and Craig Leendert. CAD OER - Equity in Access for Engineering/Engineering Tech Students Paper presented at 2023 CIEC, Charleston, South Carolina.
https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2-1153-48792
[3] Mohsen, Soori., Behrooz, Arezoo., Roza, Dastres. (2024). Sustainable CNC Machining Operations, A Review. Sustainable operations and computers, volume 5 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2024.01.001
[4] Mohsen, Soori., Fooad, Karimi, Ghaleh, Jough., Roza, Dastres., Behrooz, Arezoo. Robotical Automation in CNC Machine Tools: A Review. Acta Mechanica et Automatica, 18(3), 434-450,2024.
https://doi.org/10.2478/ama-2024-0048
[5] Latif, Kamran, Yusri Yusof, and Aini Zuhra Abdul Kadir. "Development of new integrated CNC system for ISO6983 data interface model."International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM): 1-9, 2022.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-021-00837-2
[6] Ibrahim, Z., S. B. Mohamed, M. Minhat, A. S. Mohamed, M. R. Musanih, Z. Abd Rahman, and Zairi Ismael Rizman. "Reason maintenance in product modelling via open source CAD system." International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, no. 6, 990-996, 2016.
https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.6.6.953
[7] Sharizam, Muhammad Abdulrahim Rabbani Md, Saiful Bahri Mohamed, Tengku Mohd Shahrir Tengku Sulaiman, Zammeri Abd Rahman, and Roslan Awang. "Development of the PC-based Integrated Interface System of STEP file for CNC Machining Application: Circular Features."International Journal of Integrated Engineering12, no. 7 195-203,2020.
https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2020.12.07.022
[8] Abd Rahman, Z., S. B. Mohamed, M. S. Kasim, M. K. A. Arifffn, and A. R. Zulkifli. "The Development of Methodology for Tool Path Generation Using STEP Data Model Based on ISO 6983."International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology69, no. 6, 144-153, 2021.
https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V69I6P222
[9] Sulaiman, TMS Tg, S. B. Mohamed, M. Minhat, A. S. Mohamed, and A. R. Mohamed. "Integrated Interface Development Environment using STEP Universal Data Structure." International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7, no. 2.15, 27-29, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.15.11194
[10] Abd Rahman, Zammeri, Saiful Bahri Mohamed, Mohammad Minhat, Alias Mohd, and Zulkifli Abd Rahman. "Integrated Interface System of STEP Data Models for the Tool Path Generation." International Journal of Integrated Engineering 14, no. 4, 160-170, 2022.
https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2022.14.04.012
[11] S. K. Mohammed, M. H. Arbo, and L. Tingelstad, “Leveraging model based definition and STEP AP242 in task specification for robotic assembly,” 2020.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2020.05.209
[12] B. Song, J. Pierre, D. Peters, and K. Tobias, “Heliyon Geometric feature extraction in manufacturing based on a knowledge graph,” HLY, vol. 9, no. 9, 2023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19694
[13] Chen, Y, H Wang, L Wang, S Xu, L Liao, J Mo, and X Lin., “Three-Dimensional Visualization of Product Manufacturing Information in a Web Browser Based on STEP AP242 and WebGL,” Appl. Sci., vol. 15, no. 19, 2025.
https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910847
[14] Sarkar, Arkopaul, and Dušan Šormaz. "On semantic interoperability of model-based definition of product design." Procedia Manufacturing 38 513-523, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.01.065
[15] Zammeri, Abd Rahman, Saiful, Bahri, Mohamed, Mohamad, Minhat, Alias, Mohd, Zulkifli, Abd Rahman, Roslan, Awang. G-code converter using interface system for a STEP file (ISO 10303). Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 31(3), 1362-1362, 2023.
http://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v31.i3.pp1362-1371
[16] Zhu, Wendan, Tianliang Hu, Weichao Luo, Yan Yang, and Chengrui Zhang. "A STEP-based machining data model for autonomous process generation of intelligent CNC controller." The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 96, 271-285, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-017-1554-9
[17] Bitla, Venu., Venkateswara, Rao, Komma. STEP-based feature recognition from solid models having non-planar surfaces. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 30(10), 1011-1028, 2017.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2016.1268719
[18] Fusaomi, Nagata., Yusaku, Yamane., Yudai, Okada., Takamasa, Kusano., Keigo, Watanabe., Maki, K., Habib. Development of a post-processor approach for an industrial robot, FANUC R2000iC. Artificial Life and Robotics, 23(2), 186-191, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1007/S10015-017-0411-0
[19] Qinbo, Li., Sheng-Jen, Hsieh. An intelligent tutoring system for computer numerical control programming. International Journal of Engineering Education, 35(1), 252-261. 2019. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:145933075
[20] Kamran, Latif., Anbia, Adam., Yusri, Yusof., Aini, Zuhra, Abdul, Kadir. A review of G code, STEP, STEP-NC, and open architecture control technologies based embedded CNC systems. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 114(9), 2549-2566, 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-06741-z
[21] Sreeramulu Dowluru, Suman P, and Satish Kumar Adapa. "A New Methodology to Extract Machining Features from Prismatic Parts." International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology (ICAET'2014), 29-30, 2014.
http://dx.doi.org/10.15242/IIE.E0314081
[22] Abd Rahman, Z., Mohamed, S. B., Minhat, M., & Abd Rahman, Z. Design and development of 3-axis Benchtop CNC milling machine for educational purpose. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 15(1), 145-160, 2023.
https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2023.15.01.013
[23] Omar, Muhammad Haziq, Siti Nurul Akmal Yusof, Saiful Bahri Mohamed, Amirulihsan Mohamad, Raja Fatin Najiha Raja Anuar, Zammeri Abd Rahman, Yutaka Asako, and Huang Da. "Milling Features Recognition Methodology of Rectangular Fillet Blind Pocket for Universal Data Structure." Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology 30, no. 3 57-68, 2023.
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