Machining method using numerical control apparatus

A machining method in which a numerically controlled apparatus carries out a series of operations for performing a current machining process, the series of operations including at least two of determining machining procedures, selecting a tool, preparing a workpiece, inspecting programs, performing a machining operation, and performing inspection required when a numerically controlled machine tool carries out a machining operation based on input graphics and process information, using at least a plurality of machine tool information, tool information, cutting condition information, material information, machining method symbol information, finishing symbol information, finishing allowance information, surface treatment information, information about thermal refining, and cost information, while using an electronic computer, including at least one of a numerical control unit, an FA system, and a personal computer, and a series of data processing units and machine tools, said method comprising the steps of:

• registering a variety of information files;
• inputting machining pattern data;
• determining whether or not there are dimensional tolerance data, and if there are dimensional tolerance data, calculating a final shape and dimension of the workpiece based on said dimensional tolerance data;
• judging whether or not a surface treatment is specified, and if the surface treatment is specified, calculating a form and size of the workpiece prior to being subjected to the surface treatment;
• processing a finished pattern based on said machining pattern data input in said inputting step and on results of said determining step and said judging step;
• ascertaining whether or not a finishing allowance is specified, and if the finishing allowance is specified, calculating a shape and size of the workpiece together with the finishing allowance;
• processing a machining pattern, before the workpiece has finished undergoing a machining process other than the current machining process, based on a result ascertained in said ascertaining step;
• identifying the pattern;
• identifying the current machining process to be performed;
• deciding whether or not material should be measured;
• and performing the current machining process.