Cloud manufacturing framework based on step-nc machine tool for capturing design and manufacturing data

Globalization and industry 4.0 has changed the norm of the manufacturing process of product life cycle. Manufacturing companies are no longer focuses on selling tangible products but have also started selling manufacturing product related services. Computers and information technologies are deeply entrenched in the modern manufacturing systems, giving rise to Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Cyber Physical Systems and most recently Cloud Manufacturing. The cloud manufacturing platform proposed in this paper will truly emphasize the concept of design anywhere machine anywhere, where manufacturing and machining data and resources can be shared by anyone regardless of locations and limitations.