Web-Enabled Real-Time Quality Feedback for Factory Systems Using MTConnect

Abstract

Quality is a key element to success for any manufacturer, and the fundamental prerequisite for quality is measurement. In the discrete parts industry, quality is attained through inspection of parts but typically there is a long latency between machining, quality measurement and part/process assessment. Since manufacturing systems are by their nature imperfect, it is imperative to indentify and rectify out-of-tolerance processes as soon as possible. Rapid quality feedback into the factory operation is not a complex concept, however, the collection and dissemination of the necessary measurement data in a timely and tightly integrated manner is challenging. This paper discusses Web-enabled, real-time quality data based on the integration of MTConnect and quality measurement reporting data. MTConnect is an open factory communication standard that leverages the Internet and uses XML for data representation. The quality data is represented in MTConnect as XML to represent Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) output results. A pilot implementation to produce Web-enabled, real-time quality results in a standard MT-Connect XML representation from Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspections will be discussed.

Standards for Smart Manufacturing: A review

“…Edrington et al [29] proposed a web-based machine monitoring system that provides data collection, analysis, and machine event notification for MTConnect compatible machines. MTConnect-based system monitoring is also used for retrieving in-process parts data to quickly generate machining quality reports [30]. Previous research also demonstrated a much wider application of MTConnect towards smart manufacturing, such as sustainable machining [31], machining simulation [32], cloud manufacturing [33], intelligent maintenance [34], and cyber-physical machine tools [35].…”

Model-Based Enterprise Summit Report

“…• Probabilistic, physics-based process-property models to predict and guarantee that a manufactured product's range of performance lies within design requirements • A rapid qualification schema that employs statistical methods and probabilistic simulation tools for low-cost, high-confidence prediction of system performance • New manufacturing and fabrication processes that result in improved performance, reduced production times, and more affordable manufacturing • Military-service-affiliated manufacturing demonstration facilities that serve as repositories of focused manufacturing knowledge and infrastructure The Accelerated, Adaptive Army Fabrication is a new ManTech-funded project whose output will be a prototype weapon system employing Army-owned design and manufacturing knowledge for next-generation improvement and sustainment. Accomplishments so far include development of software tools to handle requests for quotes, deployment of an MTConnect enabled [13] platform for inspection data, testing and validation of additive manufacturing equipment, and piloting of machining optimization tools.…”