Flexible automatic converting of NC programs. A cross-compiler for structured text

The syntax and semantics of programs for CNC machines is defined in the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and in local counterparts. Because of the very tight limits of these standards, most manufacturers of numeric controls extend the NC language by including specific structures. These can be simple commands, management of variables, control structures, etc. Using the above manufacturer-specific commands, a NC program cannot be used in the numeric control of another manufacturer. Sometimes, even the manufacturer-specific commands differ from newer software versions on the same control. The present algorithms can be used to support the user by converting NC programs from one type to another. The main focus was on versatility and simple usage. A software tool was programmed to verify the benefits of this approach.