Smart machining tools for dynamic working conditions Manufacturers are under pressure to dramatically increase productivity while decreasing time and costs. Real-time sensors and smart adaptation of machining systems promise to do just that. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock Increasing the speed of production can introduce complications in machinery, such as excessive oscillations, overheating and decreased accuracy. Using newer lightweight materials can minimise these problems while creating other problems at interfaces with conventional steel or aluminium due to differing material properties. The EU-funded project ADAMOD addressed this dichotomy with a solution that encompasses the best of both worlds. Scientists developed novel reconfigurable machine tools with plug-in modules containing multifunctional sensors and actuators. The result is modular, lightweight and compact adaptronic devices that respond automatically to changes in the operating environment. ADAMOD demonstrated capabilities with vibration compensation on a high-speed milling machine, vibration cancellation on a pick-and-place robot, and thermal compensation of machine tools. Along the way, the consortium produced stand-alone exploitable results in the form of the adaptronic vibration and thermal compensation units, as well as various components such as sensors, a piezoelectric actuator and a low-cost amplifier. Keeping pace with international manufacturing competition requires high productivity and precision with rapid reconfigurability. ADAMOD outcomes should ensure a leading position for the European machining industry with modular adaptable systems that reduce materials and energy use while increasing production and accuracy.
