Systems and methods for searching a machining knowledge database

A method for utilizing stored information of a machining knowledge database, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a computing device, a search query that describes an input part;
• parsing the search query to identify one or more input machining features of the input part, wherein each input machining feature corresponds to a collection of one or more surfaces to be formed via at least one active portion of a toolpath of a corresponding machining tool to add or remove material from a workpiece;
• performing, by the computing device and based at least in part on the one or more input machining features, a search of a machining knowledge database for one or more stored 3D models of formed parts similar to the input part, wherein the one or more stored 3D models of formed parts include a particular 3D model of a previously formed part, wherein the machining knowledge database stores a first machining code previously used to fabricate at least a first machining feature of the previously formed part in association with the particular 3D model, and wherein the search is based at least in part on:
• one or more geometric attributes of the input part, and
• one or more physical properties relating to the input part;
• generating, by the computing device and based at least in part on the search, a search result that includes the one or more stored 3D models from the machining knowledge database that are similar to the input part;
• receiving, by the computing device, an input associated with the particular 3D model;
• accessing, based at least in part on the input, the first machining code previously used to fabricate at least the first machining feature of the previously formed part;
• and
• storing a second machining code for a fabricating machine to form at least a second machining feature of the input part, wherein the second machining code is generated based at least in part on the first machining code.