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Development of a method to improve the reliability and availabilityof machine tools

Deliverables

The control-integrated condition monitoring system for machine tools using open NCs based directly on control-internal data will enable: - The reliable data collection for the whole R&A system, including the design process and the condition monitoring system, based on direct access to control internal data and, where necessary, on external low-cost sensors being integrated into the system; - A homogenous integration of the monitoring system into the control interface (MMI), so that the system can easily be handled by the machine tool user with low effort on training; - The monitoring of machine tool component state based on the current control internal signals describing the component behaviour; and - The estimation of the remaining component lifetime based on an integration of design models into the monitoring system, taking into account the real applied loads compared to the base for design calculation. Thus, a highly integrated design and monitoring system for increased machine tool R&A will be developed enabling an increasing of R&A and by that increased competitiveness as well as cost saving during operation.
From a reliability point of view it is better to decompose the machine on the basis of its functions: the sub-systems are identified according to a specific function. The subdivision of machine in functional groups, within which are included all those parts that fulfil a specific task, allows for different people to develop the single functional parts. The initial partitioning (top level) helps to sort the problem areas and also give insight into the grouping functions: for example, the machine tool can be divided into motion unit (Axes movement), process unit (Electro-spindle, Headstock, Tailstock, ..), accessory unit (Automatic pallet changer, Automatic tool changer) and auxiliary unit (hydraulics, electrical equipment). The proposed decomposition, chosen among the many possible ones, has been made with respect to machine tool functions. Each groups, and subgroups have been selected on the basis of their functions. If a machine is decomposed according to this structure, it is really useful for the reliability analysis, because, in primary, from a reliability point of view, the functionality of the machine must be considered. Moreover, such decomposition can be helpful during the identification of the critical elements and events, and by means of this machine division it could be easier to identify and locate the problems that occur during the working time.

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