BlankLocalizationCore.jl: implementing blank localization in Julia

Blank localization (also known as workpiece referencing) is an essential task in machining.It aims to precisely establish the geometric relation of the machine tool (mill, lathe, etc.) and the workpiece.We introduced the concept of multi-operation blank localization to address this task for drilling and milling scenarios in a semi-automated way, which allows positioning different machining features (e.g., different holes) separately in order to exploit the tolerances on the relative position of those features to compensate the small errors of the blank.The method takes as input the measured rough geometry and the machining CNC code, and computes the best possible position of each feature considering machining allowances and tolerances by solving a convex quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP).The versatility and extensibility of the Julia language helped the development of this algorithm, materializing in the BlankLocalizationCore.jlpackage.Its flexibility and ease of use make it an excellent research tool that can be deployed in production as well.