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Modular Synthesis of Advanced Machine Tools

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Within this project a concept to configure a modular machine tool was developed and implemented into a software application. This 'Computer Aided Configuration System (CAC)' supports machine tool customer and builder to find out the optimum machine tool configuration considering both requirements. Through the different configuration steps knowledge based software assistant help the CAC user with stored configuration know-how.
After the machine tool is configured a customer specific way an integrated FEM based simulation tool can display the machine tool and is able to calculate all demanded static and dynamic parameters. For this simulation tool a new calculation method was developed which integrates also peculiarities of a modular machine tool and requires less expenditure for modelling. Also the calculation times are considerable less than comparable conventional FEM simulation tools.
During a modular machine tool configuration process functionalities are assigned to modules which have to be fulfilled in practice. According to the more customised machine tools which become feasible with the introduction of modularity the necessary component tests diversify. This is the source of additional effort - and hence additional costs - inducted by modularity. An implemented new method for the selection of module and machine tool oriented testing procedures helps to save additional work and time to ensure the demanded functions and properties of the customer specific configured machine tool.
To support a machine tool manufacturer independent modular machine tool market a special module database was developed which includes machine tool module descriptions from different suppliers. This database is available via Internet and free for CAC system user and every interested person.
Objectives and content

This project proposal is one of the integral parts of the 'Framework of Projects Concerning Intelligent Modules for Machine Tools'. The ultimate goal of this framework is to enhance the state-of-the-art in European machine tool building to allow the manufacturing of reconfigurable modular machine tools built with intelligent modules (CEDAM, MAREA, OSACA,...).

The basic characteristics of the concept are:

- Modular design of the machine tool:
The machine tool is composed of "intelligent, self-contained" modules, including control features needed for the performance of their function (i.e. modular and/or distributed control)
- Independent and concurrent design and manufacturing of the modules: The modules are designed and manufactured independently according to the machine tool builder's specifications,
- Complete module testing before delivery to the machine tool builder. These concepts constitute a direct answer to the specified industrial needs.
The role of the actual proposal within the framework is to provide methods for module specification and selection due to a given manufacturing task. Tools shall be developed which enable companies to design and produce advanced and highly customised machine tools from modules. This approach goes beyond existing modular concepts, as the use of modules is not restricted to a finite set of modules belonging to a company specific building kit. Modules coming from another machine type can be used as well as purchased modules from suppliers.

As a project result, the feasibility of a computer aided configuration (CAC) system shall be proven which supports the module configuration process equivalent to the way a CAD system supports conventional design. Methods for module specification and testing which will support manufacturer, supplier and customer are available as demonstrators.

An integration of the software modules and additional functions like module order specification, assembly schedule preparation and monitoring and the archivation of machine tool configurations shall complete the CAC system in a subsequent industrially led project.

Hence, a "modular synthesis" process will be defined which replaces the interrelated design and configuration steps necessary for state-of-the-art machine tools. Classical design work does not become obsolete, but will be broken down into multiple, simultaneous module design processes. Their objective is to make the modules obey the specifications resulting from the modular synthesis process.

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CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

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UNIVERSITAET HANNOVER
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Letzte Aktualisierung: 1 September 1997

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/BRPR950108/de

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