SE1651097A1 - Modification of input data - Google Patents
Modification of input data Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- SE1651097A1 SE1651097A1 SE1651097A SE1651097A SE1651097A1 SE 1651097 A1 SE1651097 A1 SE 1651097A1 SE 1651097 A SE1651097 A SE 1651097A SE 1651097 A SE1651097 A SE 1651097A SE 1651097 A1 SE1651097 A1 SE 1651097A1
- Authority
- SE
- Sweden
- Prior art keywords
- process parameters
- criteria
- optimum
- machine
- metal working
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 title description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 122
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 94
- 238000005555 metalworking Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007405 data analysis Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007514 turning Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 17
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013439 planning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012358 sourcing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011960 computer-aided design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012804 iterative process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
- G05B19/182—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by the machine tool function, e.g. thread cutting, cam making, tool direction control
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B13/00—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion
- G05B13/02—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
- G05B13/04—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/04—Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
- Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Software Systems (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Numerical Control (AREA)
- Complex Calculations (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process, said method comprising the steps of inputting desired process parameters for at least one product to be machined and generating resulting operational data based on the desired process parameters. Resulting operational data is compared with optimized operation performance criteria and is presented to a decision making entity. This entity may be allowed to modify the process parameters so as to improve operation of the metal working process.
Description
Modification of input data TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method, an industrial machine system, a computer programproduct and a non-transient computer-readable medium for modifying process parametersbased on optimum operation performance criteria for an industrial machining operation, such as a metal working process.
BACKGROUND ART Industrial machine systems of today typically consist of a machine with an actuator system forproviding relative motion between a machine part or operating device and a workpiece. Stateof the art industrial machine systems are highly specialised to perform operations like forinstance beam cutting, milling, turning, drilling, boring, punching, punch pressing, press-breaking, bending, welding and assembly operations. The machine system is a substantialinvestment to most potential customers, in particular to smaller or medium-sized workshops,why the versatility and productivity that the machine system is to contribute with to the business is a key factor when making investment decisions.
The industrial machine systems are controlled by means of a CNC (Computerized NumericalControl) unit, an NC (Numerical Control) unit, a PLC (Programmable Logical Control) unitand/or related sensing and processing equipment that together serve to provide instructionsto an actuator system to perform required movements in order to execute intended industrialoperations. The machine system further comprises a machine controller, which is essentially acomputer having a processor and a conventional operating system such as Windows or Linuxconfigured to give instructions to the CNC/NC/PLC unit based on machine controllerinstructions, such as G-code or XI\/|L. The machine controller includes or is connected to anHMI (Human-Machine Interface), and is configured to read programs and to gather processparameters so as to yield complete instructions to the CNC/NC/PLC unit for execution by the actuator system comprised in the machine. Conventionally, both the CNC/NC/PLC unit and the 2machine controller are physically included in the industrial machine, and the industrialmachine forms an independent and self-contained industrial machine system wherein the machine controller forms an essential and physically connected part ofthe machine.
A CNC system may be defined so as to comprise a machine tool, herein referred to as amachine, a part program, which is a detailed set of commands followed by the machine, and amachine controller (or machine control unit), which is a computer that stores the program and executes its commands into actions by the machine tool.
I\/lanagement, control and monitoring of operations performed by an industrial machine needexpertise and experience from a machine operator as well as software-based support systemsto work out. To generate a program for the operation of for example manufacturing aparticular metal product, the program needs to be based both on a set of predeterminedprinciples, such as the calculation of operating sequences based on optimization techniques orshortest path principles, but also an operator's know-how ofwhat will be the best sequencefrom a more practical point of view. Variables to consider and control may be related tomaterials properties, logistics and of course to the actual geometries, shapes, dimensions and order in which products are to be produced.
I\/lanufacturing processes according to prior art are based on a more or less linear sequenceinvolving the steps of constructing and designing a product, followed by purchasing ofrequired production materials, reservation of production capacity and allocation of resources.Products are then manufactured and delivered to stock or to a customer. Traditionalmanufacturing processes tend to be rather rigid and therefore fail to utilise production meansto their full capacity and potential. Hence, full efficiency and productivity will not be achievedthroughout the sequence as steps in the process cannot be synchronized and lacking transparency of information will prevent exchange of valuable process-related parameters.
As mentioned, industrial machining operations, but also related design- and constructionprocesses (including the option of parametric design), selection of material, purchasing,logistics etc., are based on large amounts of dynamic variables and varying prerequisites, allinfluencing the result of an industrial or business-oriented operation. A human operator orclient will consequently be exposed to significant complexity when trying to optimize an operation involving large amounts of variables. One may know what is actually desired, but 3would need assistance with determining the most efficient way of obtaining the desired result, an assistance, or preferably automated service, that is unfortunately nowhere to be found.
Therefore, a related problem that needs to be considered when setting up and performing anindustrial machining operation or related business-oriented operation is to manage thiscomplexity and large amount of influencing parameters. lf not properly managed, it mayadversely affect the efficiency, precision, quality and productivity of the industrial machiningor business-oriented operation, whether the variables are related to logistics, materialsproperties, production quality, presently used tooling, available tooling or operators' needs. lf properly managed, a significant improvement of productivity and efficiency is to be expected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lt is therefore an object ofthe present invention to alleviate the mentioned problemsassociated with prior art technology by providing a method, an industrial machine system, acomputer program product and a non-transient computer-readable medium for modifyingprocess parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal workingprocess, said method comprising the steps of: inputting desired process parameters for at least one product to be machined, generating resulting operational data based on the desired process parameters, selecting at least one optimization technique to define a function, said functioncomprising the desired process parameters, generating the function for optimization by using the desired process parametersas a basis to define ranges for performance variables along with ranges for processparameters, applying the at least one optimization technique to said function, wherebyoptimum operation performance criteria are determined for the process model includingprocess parameters and performance variables to obtain a set of requirements to be used forcontrolling the metal working process, comparing the resulting operational data with the optimum operationperformance criteria, and presenting the optimum operation performance criteria to a decision making 4entity and allowing it to modify the desired process parameters based on the presented optimum operation performance criteria for the metal working process.
This has the advantage of allowing a decision making entity, such as a human operator orcomputerised means to use all available data to gain efficiency and productivity. By using theinvention as a supervising service that collects information from various sources, of which themachine may be one, all ofthe desired process parameters that have been input may bemodified by using all available information. Examples of other sources of information may beelements in connection with the machine or machine controller via Internet of Things (loT), anenterprise resource planning system (ERP), a manufacturing execution system (I\/IES), acustomer relation management system (CRM), a sourcing management system (SMS), a computer aided design/manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM) and related databases.
According to embodiments ofthe present invention, all relevant information is made availablevia the industrial machine system and/or other systems like the mentioned |oT, etc. Thismakes it possible to use agile iterative processes to optimize each step, either in advance orwhile carrying out the process according to actual settings and circumstances. Theoptimization process can also be used for design, purchasing, ordering and planning, e.g.production planning. As a few examples among many others, product design may be modifiedwith available tools, materials may be modified according to present stock, delivery time maybe modified with machine availability and product design may be modified to achieve a certain quality, preferably a quality even higher than originally desired.
Further examples of process parameters that may be modified using means and methodsaccording to the present intention will follow: A production process may be modified from anintegrated combination machine, such as punch/bending to a combination of separateprocesses, such as laser cutting and press breaking. This would for example be a modificationaiming at reducing production costs. Beam cutting of free-form shapes like individual unitsmay be modified to cutting of free-form shapes as clusters with only one single cut from thecutting beam in-between. A part geometry segment and/or part tangential segments could bemodified by interchanging or changing their relative positions and/or shapes, preferably leading to an improvement in part quality when cutting parts out of sheet metal. 5Material thickness as well as material type and/or quality could be modified in order to reduceweight and cost of products produced. Alternatively, product geometry could be modified inorder to reduce material waste and decrease cost. Material size, shape and dimensions could be reduced for the same or similar reasons as above.
Part and/or product geometry could be modified so as to minimize set-up time and cost, areduction which can be achieved in that the need to change tooling is reduced or eveneliminated. Material size, shape and dimensions may be modified also to require less amountsof material in stock. Batch sizes could be adjusted to reduce costs, an adjustment that maylead to a possible alteration in machine configurations depending on the batch size, and themachine configuration as such may also be modified so as to obtain various gains and simplifications in the production process.
By process parameters relating to the metal working process are here meant parameters suchas production order, batch volumes, product geometry, predefined tolerances, required metalworking operations, required tooling configuration, automation configuration for grip and/orpick and place and/or stacking produced parts, stacking pattern of produced items and/orprocess parameter data from previous operations. By performance variables relating to themetal working process are here meant variables such as determined tolerances of produceditems, process time, tooling availability, tooling lifetime, material removal rate, operatorworking environment, order stock, delivery time, required pressing position and/orperformance variable data from previous operations. Predefined and/or determinedtolerances of produced items include any of the following performance variables: materialproperties, such as hardness, toughness, size and thickness, product geometries, such as radii,angles and dimensions and production defects, such as bulges, bending lines, pressure deformations, leadin marks, micro joint marks and other visual attributes.
The invention also includes that modified data may further be used in different applications,such as CAD, CAM, ERP, MES, CRM, Sourcing management etc. The invention is also applicablewithin areas such as purchasing and optimization of machine performance criteria, criteriawhich may be defined as instructions and/or a program of instructions for the control an industrial machine, such as a CNC machine tool. 6 The present invention as claimed in the appended claims thereby differs from traditional,linear scheduling of tasks. As an example could be mentioned the typical task ofwhether toproduce a first type of punch or a second type of punch. That task could as well be solved by atraditional scheduling systems or manufacturing execution system. As another example couldbe mentioned that a certain piece needs to be punched out of a material before being bent,which is also a decision typically being made in a linear flow management system. As anotherexample could be mentioned is to use one or several cutting heads in beam cutting, which is alinear decision based on the default number of cutting heads on the machine through numberparts to produce. That task could be solved by a traditional scheduling system ormanufacturing execution system. The present invention instead uses information availablefrom a number of sources in order to determine, as an example, that a certain product oughtto be produced by laser cutting technique and press-breaking technique instead ofcombination punching and bending technique, in order to reduce production costs andsimultaneously enable enhanced quality of the product, and therefore suggests modificationof desired process parameters based on the presented optimum operation performance criteria for the metal working process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments and examples related to the present invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a flow chart that depicts an optimization of an operational sequence of an industrialmachine system or the like by inputting desired parameters followed by modifying and presenting the optimum performance criteria.
Figure 2 graphically illustrates an industrial machine system according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 displays another embodiment of an industrial machine system according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 7Both the detailed description and the drawings to which it refers are given by way of example only. Same reference numerals from different figures refer to the same element.
Figure 1 is a flow chart that depicts an optimization of an operational sequence in an industrialmachine system or a manufacturing support system, possibly remote, a system configured toprovide support for business operations relating to design- and construction processes(including the option of parametric design), selection of material, purchasing, logistics etc., byinputting desired parameters followed by modifying and presenting the optimum performance criteria.
The sequence starts (S10) in that an operator or client either manually or automatically inputs(S20) desired parameters relating to a product to be machined or evaluated. This input ofdesired product parameters can be made at any location. One example is that an application(app) developed for a mobile terminal, such a so-called smartphone, is used as a tool forrealizing the input of desired parameters. This app may then be provided to all stakeholdersalong the value chain, for example designers, purchasers, logistics professionals,manufacturing specialists etc. ln a next step, the computing system according to the invention generates (S30) resulting operational data based on the desired process parameters. ln parallel with the generation of operational data, the computing system according to theinvention selects (S40) at least one optimization technique to define a function, a functionwhich comprising the desired process parameters. This is followed by generation (S50) of afunction for optimization by using the desired process parameters as a basis to define ranges for performance variables along with ranges for process parameters.
The generated function for optimization is applied (S60) whereby optimum operationperformance criteria can be determined for the process model including process parametersand performance variables to obtain a set of requirements to be used for controlling the metal working process.
As soon as the optimum performance criteria have been determined, the resulting operationaldata is compared (S70) with the optimum operation performance criteria, and in case there isa difference, and the optimum performance criteria seems to provides a performance advantage to the operator or client, the result is presented (S80) to a decision-making entity. 8 This decision-making entity, whether being a human operator, a computerised, fully or semi-automated service layer, is allowed to modify (S90) the desired process parameters based onthe presented optimum operation performance criteria for the metal working process. Thedecision-making entity may also be realized in the form of an application (app) for asmartphone, preferably the same or an app similar to the one mentioned in connection with the step of inputting desired parameters. lf the decision-making entity decides to modify process parameters comprised in thepresented information (Yes), the proposed operational sequence is adopted by the industrialmachine system. ln case the decision-making system decides not to accept the proposal (No),the sequence continues in that the originally generated operational data is applied (S100).Whichever decision is made, the sequence continues to the starting point (S10) or end point(S110). I\/|odified data may further be used in different applications such as CAD, CAM, ERP,I\/IES, CRM, Sourcing management etc. The present invention is also applicable within areassuch as purchasing and optimization of machine performance criteria, criteria which may bedefined as instructions and/or a program of instructions for the control an industrial machine, such as a CNC machine tool.
Figure 2 graphically illustrates a first embodiment of the invention. The system comprises amachine 1, which may be a machine for beam cutting (2- or 3-dimensional), punching, punchpressing, press-breaking, bending, gluing, sewing, tape and fibre placement, milling, drilling,turning, routing, picking and placing and combinations of such machines. Beam cuttingincludes techniques such as laser, welding, friction stir welding, ultrasonic welding, flame and plasma cutting, pinning and sawing.
The machine comprises an actuator system 2 for performing an industrial operation. Theactuator system comprises at least one actuator, i.e. a motor for linear or rotationalmovement. Typically, the actuator system is configured for performing two-dimensional orthree-dimensional movements of an operational part of the machine and a workpiece relative to each other.
The actuator system is controlled by an actuator controller 3 in the form of a CNC/NC/PLC unitand/or related sensing and processing equipment. The actuator controller controls the actuator on a low level, i.e. by sending low level control commands for the actuation of the 9actuator system. The actuator system is connected to the actuator controller via a machine internal communication network 4, e.g. including a communication bus.
The machine optionally comprises other systems, such as a sensor system 10 for sensingvarious processing parameters ofthe machine and other contro||ers 11 for processors,networks, communication links or other computing devices for transmitting data and makingdecisions. These systems may also be connected to a machine common internalcommunication network 4 and to the computing system in connection with the machine, suchthat the machine controller is connected to the sensor system to receive sensor data. Themachine controller may be further configured to remotely control the actuator system ofthe machine in response to the sensor data.
As an alternative configuration, the CNC/NC/PLC unit and/or related sensing and processingequipment as well as the mentioned machine controller may be physically attached to orotherwise included in the industrial machine. The industrial machine then forms anindependent and self-contained industrial machine system, wherein the machine controllerforms an essential and physically connected part of the machine. Both of the two alternativeembodiments of industrial machine systems have their respective advantages, and for thepurpose ofthe present invention, integrated or remote configurations of sensor system and actuator controller are both equally applicable.
The machine may also comprise a communication client 5 connected to the actuatorcontroller 3 for establishing communication with a computing system 6 in connection with themachine, when configured according to the remote alternative. The communication client isthen a functional unit which enables the machine or any sub-component ofthe machine tocommunicate with the machine controller. The computing system in connection with themachine may be a cloud-based computing system connected to the internet. Thecommunication client 5 and the computing system in connection with the machine may beconfigured to establish secure communication 7 with each other over the internet, forinstance by initiating encrypted communication by HTTPS/TSL or by establishing a VPN (virtualprivate network). Alternatively, the communication may be established over a firewall or a proxy server 8. As a further alternative, any sub-component of the machine, such as the actuator controller 3, may be configured to connect to the computing system 6 in itself, but as mentioned both remote and integrated configurations are equally applicable for this purpose.
The mentioned computing system 6 in connection with the machine comprises a machinecontroller 9, wherein the machine controller may be remotely connected to the machine, andwherein the machine controller may be configured to control the actuator system of themachine remotely via the actuator controller by modifying operational parameters ofthe actuator controller.
The machine controller 9 is hosted in a virtual machine in the remote computing system 6. lnthat way the machine controller resource may be exploited in an efficient way. The machinecontroller may e.g. be configured to read and execute machine program code, controlmachine parameters, allow manual control or adjustments of machine parameters, andfunction as an interface to associated systems. The machine controller is connected to a HMI(Human-Machine Interface) unit 12 which may be remotely connected to the machinecontroller via an internet connection 13 and in another embodiment is integrated with themachine. Either way, an operator of the machine may supervise and control the operation ofthe machine from a remote location, e.g. connected to the internet. The HMI unit 12 and/orremote computing system 6 may be configured to require user identification of an operator, e.g. by requiring passwords or other identification means.
One alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figure 2. Locally on the machine1 an actuator system 2 comprising actuators for performing machining operations is included.An actuator controller 3 is part of or connected to the actuator system 2. The actuatorcontroller is configured to receive instructions from the remote machine controller andexecute instructions block by block in a closed loop system. Each task performed by anactuator is hence monitored and after a completed sub-operation, the actuator will performthe next sub-operation until a whole operation is completed. This means that the operation ofthe actuators of the machine is controlled by the actuator controller on a low level. Theactuator controller typically includes a memory and a processor in order to save and executeinstructions and to log data. The actuator system does not involve a conventional machinecontroller or HMI. The actuator system of the machine is hence dependent on receiving instructions from the remote machine controller. Once a complete set of work instructions or 11 a defined sub-set thereof have been received and verified it may however be executedwithout further instructions from the machine controller. A sub-set of work instructions maybe a part of a complete machine operation, but at least involves enough information for theactuator system to perform a part of a complete operation. The operation is preferablyperformed step by step in a closed loop system within the machine. The machine is onlyfurnished with simple functions such as an emergency stop button and an on/off button.Other than that the machine is dependent on commands from the remote machine controller tO Opefate.
The machine controller is physically located remote from the machine, typically in the cloud.The monitoring of an ongoing process, loading of instructions, modification of instructions andcreating new instruction may only be made at the remote machine controller. Hence, theinventive machine controller corresponds to a conventional machine controller, only it is not aphysical part ofthe machine but remote connected to the machine. The instructionsmonitored and controlled by the machine controller and the interconnected HMI include operational parameters such as cutting velocity, cutting depth, pressure and so on.
The machine controller is not part of the closed loop system ofthe actuator controller. Hence,unless new instructions are sent from the machine controller, the actuator system at themachine will conclude a fully received operation instruction without awaiting furtherinstructions, unless specific instructions to conclude or alter the operation are received fromthe machine controller. Typically though, instructions are only provided for a full operationand new instruction will therefore only count for subsequent operations, not ongoingoperations. This may be set as a safety arrangement but is up to the operator to decide which type of operational security should be implemented.
The machine controller is configured to send instructions, instruction per instruction, orseveral instructions in a batch system. Any conventional manner of sending information maybe utilized. The machine controller is further configured to receive information and makedecisions based on said information. For example, the machine controller may act on feedback data and make decisions and/or send new instructions based on said feedback.
The inventive system provides for a possibility of remote controlling of an industrial machine, without risking that commands are lost as a consequence of bad communication due to for 12instance latency in the internet connection. This is made sure e.g. because an operation is received and acknowledged in full at the actuator controller. ln order to facilitate surveillance, the machine comprises a surveillance unit 14, such as acamera, video camera or other image capturing means, for monitoring operations by themachine. The surveillance unit is connected to the remote computing system 6 via the communication client 5 and configured to provide operational information to the remote computing system. The operational information is processed and transmitted to the HMI 12.
The machine controller is configured to receive a machine program from a CAD/CAM system or by manual entry from an operator, e.g. via the HMI unit 12. ln one embodiment the remote computing system is configured to monitor an operationalparameter of the machine, and disable the remote control ofthe actuator system ofthemachine by the machine controller when the operational parameter exceeds a thresholdvalue. Such an operational parameter may be the operating time, the number of operationalcycles performed by the machine etc. Thus the operational costs and the use ofthe machine may be controlled and limited by limiting access to the machine controller.
The remote computing system is configured to collect machine and/or production data andtransfer the data to another system (not shown) for data analysis and/or optimization. Themachine data may be used to e.g. optimize the supply chain (purchase, manufacturing,distribution), the demand chain (marketing, sales, service), machine maintenance or for other big data applications.
The surveillance unit may also be configured for monitoring produced items and their variousproperties, including their tolerances. Computer vision is another term used in the industry forthis identification of properties related to geometry. By tolerances is meant materialproperties, such as hardness, toughness, size, shape, product geometries, such as radii, anglesand dimensions, and production defects, such as, bulges, bending lines, pressure deformationsand/or other visual attributes. The surveillance unit may further be connected to thecomputing system 6 in connection with the machine, via the communication client 5 and configured to provide operational information to the computing system. 13ln one embodiment the computing system in connection with the machine is configured tomonitor an operational parameter ofthe machine, and disable the remote control of theactuator system ofthe machine by the machine controller when the operational parameterexceeds a threshold value. Such an operational parameter may be the operating time, the number of operational cycles performed by the machine etc.
The computing system is configured to collect machine and/or production data and transferthe data to another system for data analysis and/or optimization. This system may be anenterprise resource planning system (ERP) of manufacturing execution system (I\/IES) of anykind. The machine data may be used to for example optimize the supply chain, i.e. purchase,manufacturing and distribution; the demand chain i.e. marketing, sales and service; andmaintenance of the machine or its integrated or remote parts. I\/|achine data may also bemade available for other systems, such as big data applications designed merge data and draw conclusions based on very large amounts of information.
Figure 3 displays an alternative embodiment of an industrial machine system according to theinvention. The industrial machine system differs from what is described in relation to figure 1in that the machine does not comprise an actuator controller. The actuator controller 3' isphysically disconnected to the machine and comprised in the computing system 6 inconnection with the machine. The computing system is connected to the machine via one ormore data lines 7, e.g. over the internet, which may be encrypted. The machine 1 comprises atleast one communication client 15 for establishing communication between the machine andthe computing system 6 in connection with the machine. This communication client 15 isconnected to the actuator system 2 of the machine, and thus called the actuator client. Theclient is configured to send and receive low level communication from the actuator controllerto the actuator system. Similarly, the machine may optionally comprise a sensorcommunication client 16 for communicating any sensor data from the sensor system 10, andany further controller clients 17 for communicating with other controllers 11 in the machine.Similar to what is shown in relation to figure 2, the communication between the machine andthe computing system in connection with the machine may be the established over a firewall or a proxy server.
Claims (8)
1. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process, said method comprising the steps of: inputting desired process parameters for at least one product to be machined, generating resulting operational data based on the desired process parameters, selecting at least one optimization technique to define a function, said functioncomprising the desired process parameters, generating the function for optimization by using the desired process parametersas a basis to define ranges for performance variables along with ranges for processparameters, applying the at least one optimization technique to said function, wherebyoptimum operation performance criteria are determined for the process modelincluding process parameters and performance variables to obtain a set ofrequirements to be used for controlling the metal working process, comparing the resulting operational data with the optimum operationperformance criteria, and presenting the optimum operation performance criteria to a decision makingentity and allowing it to modify the desired process parameters based on thepresented optimum operation performance criteria for the metal working process.
2. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to claim 1, wherein thestep of modifying process parameters includes summarising process parameters.
3. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process according to claim 1, wherein a proposed order to an external partner is prepared comprising material, tools, spare parts, maintenance, and/or logistics if required to obtaining optimum performance criteria.
4. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, whereinresulting operational data comprises at least one of the performance variables quality, time of delivery and total cost. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, wherein theoptimum operation performance criteria determined for the process model compriseat least one of the criteria production cost, amount of waste, quality, delivery precision. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, the metalworking process being any industrially applicable cutting technology based on laser,flames, plasma, waterjet, ion, air, bending, pressing, punch pressing, press-breaking, welding, milling, drilling and turning. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, wherein the metal working process relates to machining of sheet metal. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, wherein the process model is dynamically monitored and controlled, preferably in real time. A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to c|aim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: retrieving process parameters from different sources relating to the metalworking process, such as production order, batch volume, product geometry andpredefined tolerances, required metal working operations, required tooling configuration, stacking pattern of produced items, and/or process parameter data 10. 11. 12. 16 from previous operations,retrieving performance variables from different sources relating to the metalworking process, such as determined tolerances of produced items, process time,tooling availability, tooling material removal rate, lifetime, operator working environment, order stock, delivery time, required pressing position and/orperformance variable data from previous operations, storing the process parameters and performance variables in a consolidatedmemory in association with a computer system, such as an enterprise resourceplanning (ERP) or manufacturing execution (I\/IES) system, making the process parameters and or performance variables available for amachine controller or computing system for application of optimization techniques toselect optimum operation performance criteria.A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to claim 1, wherein toolsand/or produced items and/or sources along the production line and/or sources withinthe logistics flow are embedded with electronics, software, sensors and/or networkconnectivity, enabling these objects to exchange data, such as process parametersand/or performance variables, with the computer system.A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to claim 1, whereinpredefined and/or determined tolerances of produced items include any of thefollowing performance variables: material properties, such as hardness, toughness, size and thickness, product geometries, such as radii, angles and dimensions, and production defects, such as bulges, bending lines, pressure deformations andother visual attributes.A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process according to claim 1, wherein product geometries includes data on bending curves, stretch, strain, compensation 13. 14. 1
5. 1
6. 1
7. 1
8. 17factors and tooling preferences.A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to anyone of precedingclaims, wherein process parameters in addition to the tooling configuration alsoincludes other enabling requirements, such as spare parts, tools, maintenance,material, shape and/or dimension.A method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operationperformance criteria for a metal working process according to anyone of precedingclaims, wherein the method is adapted to be used in a computer numerical control (CNC/NC) or programmable logic controller (PLC) system. An industrial machine system comprising: a machine (1) comprising an actuator system (2) for performing an industrialoperation, a computing system (6) in connection with the machine, comprising a machinecontroller (9), and the machine controller being adapted to carrying out the method according to anyone of claims 1-14. The industrial machine system according to claim 15, wherein the computing system(6) is configured to collect data and use the data for data analysis and/or optimization and/or transfer the data to another system for data analysis and/or optimization. Computer program product comprising computer program code, which when executedenables a processor in a computer to perform the method according to anyone of claims 1-14. A non-transient computer-readable medium or media comprising data representing coded instruction sets configured for execution by a processor in a computer, the 18 instructions comprising the method according to anyone of claims 1-14.
Priority Applications (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1651097A SE545051C2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | Modification of input data |
| US16/323,437 US11156985B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input |
| EP24162973.2A EP4418174A2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input |
| PCT/SE2017/050749 WO2018030939A1 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input |
| CN201780048916.6A CN109564416B (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | Method, system and readable medium for modifying a process parameter based on an optimal operating performance criterion for a metal working process |
| JP2019507285A JP2019530060A (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | A system for optimizing industrial machine operation by changing standard process parameter inputs. |
| ES17839921T ES2976486T3 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | System for optimizing the operation of industrial machines by modifying the introduction of standard process parameters |
| EP17839921.8A EP3497526B1 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-07-04 | System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1651097A SE545051C2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | Modification of input data |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| SE1651097A1 true SE1651097A1 (en) | 2018-02-10 |
| SE545051C2 SE545051C2 (en) | 2023-03-14 |
Family
ID=61557390
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1651097A SE545051C2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | Modification of input data |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| SE (1) | SE545051C2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7797062B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2010-09-14 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | System and method for dynamic multi-objective optimization of machine selection, integration and utilization |
| KR100600648B1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-07-18 | 한국생산기술연구원 | Optimized machining controller for automatic machining device and automatic machining device with said controller |
| KR101673618B1 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2016-11-07 | 두산공작기계 주식회사 | Tool Path Part Program Correction System of NC Machine Tool |
| EP2883647B1 (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2019-05-29 | Bystronic Laser AG | Method for configuring a laser machining device |
| US9720399B2 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2017-08-01 | Omax Corporation | Generating optimized tool paths and machine commands for beam cutting tools |
-
2016
- 2016-08-09 SE SE1651097A patent/SE545051C2/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE545051C2 (en) | 2023-03-14 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US11156985B2 (en) | System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input | |
| US20210237136A1 (en) | Method and machine system for controlling an industrial operation | |
| WO2017142470A1 (en) | Method and machine system for controlling an industrial operation | |
| CN116032969B (en) | Cloud-edge cooperative intelligent numerical control workshop self-regulation system and control method | |
| US10754330B2 (en) | Industrial machine system and a method of controlling an industrial machine | |
| US20170371323A1 (en) | Cell production system including manufacturing cell for autonomous manufacturing | |
| KR101405039B1 (en) | Manufacturing process automation method and system | |
| CN104698980A (en) | Method and system for controlling parametric processing of numerical control vertical lathe based on features | |
| SE1651097A1 (en) | Modification of input data | |
| KR20230081136A (en) | Platform system for recommendating cutting tool according usage | |
| CN115362419A (en) | Optimization of cutting processes on machine tools | |
| KR20170108265A (en) | Method of mould manufacturing | |
| Heydarov | CUTTING TOOLS AND THEIR DESIGN FEATURES: FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | |
| Xie | Research on the Innovation of NC Machining Process Based on Programming Technology | |
| Serruys | Adaptive Control in CNC Sheet Metal Processing |