Automatic machining process determination method in an automatic programming system

A machining process determination method in an automatic programming system having a memory and an operator's panel, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) storing a standard sequence of machining processes in the memory;
• (b) entering blank profile data;
• (c) entering final part profile data;
• (d) automatically reading a name of a stored machining process out of the memory;
• (e) automatically discriminating, based on the blank profile data and the final part profile data, whether the read name of a stored machining process is required in order to obtain the final part profile;
• (f) if the read name of a stored machining process is not required, repeating (d);
• (g) automatically determining a machining area and cutting direction of a machining process identified by the read name, if the read name of a stored machining process is required;
• (h) automatically repeating steps (d) thru (g) for each of the stored machining processes;
• and
• (i) automatically creating and storing NC data for performing machining in accordance with the results of steps (d) through (h).