Intelligent tool monitoring for machining†

Abstract

The future-oriented concept of computer-integrated, flexibly automated manufacture reveals the first convincing results at present. They indicate a fundamental change of production modes. Due to the transition from order-neutral manufacture to manufacture bound by order, targets are developing that have to be met by flexible solutions of process automation of a new type. Finally, in order to achieve high flexibility of manufacture, monitoring and control strategies of a new type have to be developed. Tool monitoring is the focus of process monitoring. This will be shown by raised technological machine intelligence of flexible automated turning cells with the main components of sensor systems, control concept and process models for monitoring and control strategies. The process invariance to be aimed at for process monitoring now involves the development of such strategies applicable for a maximum value range of a maximum number of process, tool and machine tool parameters. For adaptive control systems at machining cells, the actual available machining time mentioned has to be included into the technological process model as a basis for self-optimization.

Dynamic management of cutting tools for flexible and quality machining

“…Historically, there is a need to have a simple operational approach to manage tools, largely due to a lack of advanced tool-monitoring technology, as well as insu cient motivation to connect tool preparation with tool cutting. However, with the increasingly vital role of tools in automated manufacturing systems, as well as advances in tool-monitoring hardware and software, tools need to be and can be accurately managed (Jacobs et al 1988, Kendall and Bayoumi 1988, Khator and Leung 1994, Leung and Khator 1995. Advanced computer-aide d methodologies have been developed in the selection of machining parameters (Malakooti andDeviprasad 1989, Malakooti 1991), as well as the selection of grinding conditions (Rowe et al 1997).…”