Unmanned Chemical Lab (UCL): autonomous control system for the remote management of soluble and emulsifiable metalworking fluids

Informazioni relative al progetto

UCL

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 882777

DOI

10.3030/882777

Progetto chiuso

Data della firma CE 22 Novembre 2019

Data di avvio 1 Dicembre 2019

Data di completamento 31 Marzo 2020

Finanziato da

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Costo totale

€ 71 429,00

Contributo UE

€ 50 000,00

Coordinato da

REYS SPA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - UCL (Unmanned Chemical Lab (UCL): autonomous control system for the remote management of soluble and emulsifiable metalworking fluids)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2019-12-01 al 2020-03-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining has become a key component in automation of industrial manufacturing processes including metalworking. Metalworking tools (such as lathes, drills, mills and grinders) are controlled through computers. This numerical control leads to a continuous metal processing at greater speed, higher quality and accuracy. Parts are exactly replicated, unlike conventional technician-controlled machining. Metalworking fluids (MWF) are a variety of oil and water-based liquids critical for decreasing friction and preventing heat between the tool and metal workpiece. UCL is a technology that allows for a remote control and treatment of soluble and emulsifiable MWFs. This remote operation will dramatically reduce the health exposure risk to workers, and will increase the lifespan of MWFs, leading to important savings for the manufacturers.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

We have outlined the necessary steps to reach a TRL of 8 with UCL. In particular, we have come up with an exhaustive testing campaign aiming at gathering data for the training of the artificial intelligence algorithms. We have also surveyed the metal working fluid markets and have identified our target users and their needs. We have decided the best business model: clients will pay per litter of MWF managed. The rate will include the depreciation of the equipment, the additives, the personnel and the IT services supporting UCL technology. We have come up with a case study that has allowed us to quantify the advantages and fix the price policy.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

The maintenance of MWFs is currently done with suboptimal technologies that do not anticipate the degradation. UCL will use artificial intelligence for a continuous control that enables preventive and corrective actions. This disruptive technology will extend the lifespan of MWFs without human intervention. Clients will not just reduce costs but will also protect their employees and the environmental impact (carbon and hydric footprints, pollutants, etc.). Production will not be interrupted because of MWF management.