Abstract: In a machine tool which executes a plurality of programs simultaneously to perform machining, whether or not a precision machining operation period exists in each of the programs is analyzed before machining. If the precision machining operation period exists as a result of the analysis, the start timing and end timing of an ordered precision machining is recognized. Also, at least one of the speed, acceleration, and jerk of a general operation from start timing to end timing in a program for which the precision machining operation period is not specified is lowered. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a machine tool and its program conversion method, capable of performing precision machining with high precision without receiving an adverse effect from other operations, and capable of obtaining good machining efficiency.

Abstract: A cut optimization system controls chatter in a machine tool during a cutting operation. A microphone is configured to capture acoustic noise emitted by the machine tool during the cutting operation and to generate an AC signal corresponding to the captured acoustic noise. A filter is configured to attenuate frequencies of the AC signal outside of a frequency band and a rectifier is configured to rectify the filtered AC signal into a DC component. A controller is configured to compare the DC component with a threshold value and, if the DC component is greater than the threshold, cyclically vary the rotational speed of a spindle in the machine tool from a commanded speed.

Abstract: An apparatus, machine tool, and method for adaptively controlling a feedrate of a machine tool are provided in which a plurality of maximum spindle power and/or radial load values, each corresponding to a spindle rotational speed, are received, stored and applied. Additionally, the current spindle power and/or the current radial load, along with the current spindle rotational speed may be received. The current spindle power and/or the current radial load may be compared to the maximum spindle power and/or radial load corresponding to the current spindle rotational speed, such that the feedrate may be reduced if the current spindle power and/or the current radial load exceed the corresponding maximum spindle power and/or radial load for the current spindle rotational speed or increased if the current spindle power and the current radial load are below the corresponding maximum spindle power and/or radial load for the current spindle rotational speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems of part programming for machine vision inspection systems are provided, which permit a user to readily define multiple image acquisition operations interspersed with associated image analysis and/or inspection operations during learn mode operations and in the resulting part program image acquisition operations for at least some of the images are arranged into a continuous motion image acquisition sequence that acquires images and stores images in a “non-interspersed” manner in order to increase the throughput of the machine vision inspection system. Image analysis/inspection operations associated with the stored images are performed subsequently by recalling the store images. The programming systems and methods disclosed herein may operate automatically to facilitate rapid programming for a variety of workpieces by relatively unskilled users, wherein the resulting programs include continuous motion image acquisition sequences.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus 101 includes: a machining-condition storage device 104 that stores in a storage device 107 machining conditions including a tool number, a servo-axis feed-speed instruction value, and a main-axis rotation-number instruction value, and override values of a servo axis and a main axis that are specified through an override switch; a machining-condition monitoring unit (a machining-condition checking unit 114) that monitors whether the machining conditions are in a same combination in a machining block, and outputs a machining condition changing signal when the machining conditions are in the same combination; and a controller (an interpolation processor 115) that multiplies and executes the override values stored in the storage device 107 to the servo-axis feed-speed instruction value and the main-axis rotation-number instruction value to be executed, based on a machining condition changing signal output from the machining-condition checking unit 114.

Abstract: A machine part (12) is guided along a defined movement path (28) over a workpiece surface (23). The machine part (12) is held at a defined distance (50) from the workpiece surface (23) during this movement. For that purpose, a distance sensor (14) is provided that runs ahead of the machine part (12) with a defined lead (18). A plurality of distance values between the distance sensor (14) and the workpiece surface (23) are determined. A plurality of control values for adjusting the defined distance (50) are determined as a function of the distance values. The defined distance (50) is repeatedly adjusted by means of the control values. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the distance values along the movement path (28) are determined by means of a first grid spacing (46). The control values are determined along the movement path (28) with a second grid spacing (44). The first and the second grid spacings (46, 44) are different.

Abstract: A method for generating, by a direct process, a tool path for milling a region of a workpiece by a milling cutter is disclosed. The tool path consists of one or more passes. The method includes the steps of storing a maximum engagement of the milling cutter and defining each one of the one or more passes such that a value of the engagement, when traversing each one of the one or more passes, does not exceed the maximum value of engagement.

Abstract: A method for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material. A mapping is accomplished by associating to relevant flatness fault types a reference strip model and an actuator space conversion matrix. A device for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material.

Abstract: The feed rate of an ultrasonic knife used to cut composite material is optimized using adaptive control. One or more parameters such as ultrasonic power or side load on the knife is sensed and used to generate feedback control signals. The feedback control signals are used to optimize the commanded feedrate of the knife.

Abstract: A method for drilling holes in a component according to an optimized sequence is provided. The sequence is determined so as to minimize a total displacement of all axes of a hole drilling machine that is required for moving between each hole in the sequence.

Abstract: A system manages a machine tool operation. The system includes a cutting tool, which includes a tool body; an integrated circuit chip securely mounted within the tool body and capable of being read and written upon; and a read/write device for communicating with the integrated circuit chip. The integrated circuit chip is an RFID chip. The tool body may be a mounting chuck, adapter, twist drill, thread tap, indexable drill, milling cutter or a square shank lathe tool.

Abstract: Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for the creation of a structure using Lego building blocks is disclosed. Aspects of the methods are equally appropriate for numerous structures, including but not limited to, studs-up and studs-out configurations or a ‘wall’ style mosaic or a ‘floor’ style mosaic. Given the systems and methods disclosed, aspects of the invention are applicable to three-dimensional sculpture structures too. The system and method may use a recursive overlapping divide-and-conquer breadth-first search feature to improve the quality of the structures while only slightly, if at all, increasing the time and memory required. Furthermore, the system and method may use dithering algorithms and/or cost analysis to determine which building block can be used and placed to achieve high-quality structures. In another example, aspects of the invention may be used to more optimally schedule delivery trucks.

Abstract: A portioning system (10) includes a scanner (16) for scanning a passing poultry breast (14). A cutting device (18), a slicing device (20) and/or other equipment may be used to portion, trim, or otherwise process the poultry breast under the control of a computer (22). The computer also utilizes the information from the scanner to determine position and the angular orientation of the poultry breast relative to a reference line by determining directional lines corresponding to physical attributes of the poultry breast. One directional line is related to the principal axis of the poultry breast, determined from the axis of least inertia of the poultry breast when analyzing the regions of the poultry breast above a selected elevation of the poultry breast.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for real-time measurement of tool forces. A relationship between a sensor characteristic and tool forces is determined by directly measuring tool forces for a standard tool, work piece, and part program. The sensor characteristic for a CNC machine at the user facility is then measured for the standard tool, work piece, and part program, providing a relationship between the sensor characteristic at the user facility and tool forces. If the sensor is not conveniently attached to the work piece or the part program is not sufficiently robust in cutting conditions, the work piece and part program are replaced by a sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program. The sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program are selected to accommodate the sensors and to provide sufficient robustness in cutting conditions to accurately determine the process model parameters for the sacrificial work piece.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for manufacturing a dental prosthesis, in which the machining operations therefor may be optimized. Dimensional data of at least one critical parameter of the workpiece from which the crown is to be manufactured is determined and compared with corresponding target dimensional data of the desired prosthesis. The workpiece is then subjected to a material removal operation by a machining tool along machining paths that are determined on the basis of this comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece 1 by means of a rotating tool 2 provided with at least one cutting edge 3, in which method the machining operation is interrupted at predetermined time intervals, the tool 2 is moved away from the workpiece 1, and a wear measurement is subsequently carried out on the tool 2, characterized in that after the wear measurement the tool 2 is returned at least into the feed position assumed by it before the interruption and the machining operation is continued, and that subsequently within a period of time the tool is continuously fed for compensating the wear measured.

Abstract: An apparatus, machine tool, and method for adaptively controlling a feedrate of a machine tool are provided in which a plurality of maximum spindle power and/or radial load values, each corresponding to a spindle rotational speed, are received, stored and applied. Additionally, the current spindle power and/or the current radial load, along with the current spindle rotational speed may be received. The current spindle power and/or the current radial load may be compared to the maximum spindle power and/or radial load corresponding to the current spindle rotational speed, such that the feedrate may be reduced if the current spindle power and/or the current radial load exceed the corresponding maximum spindle power and/or radial load for the current spindle rotational speed or increased if the current spindle power and the current radial load are below the corresponding maximum spindle power and/or radial load for the current spindle rotational speed.

Abstract: A method for calculating depth of cut without any milling self-excited vibration. An initial value for machining-surface-perpendicular depth of cut is set. A cutting start angle and cutting end angle for a cutting edge is obtained, based on the initial value. A machining-surface-perpendicular depth of cut that causes no self-excited vibration is calculated. The maximum depth of cut that corresponds to the stability limit of a milling self-excited vibration is calculated, by repeating the calculation while modifying the initial value until the difference between the initial value and the calculation result becomes the same as, or smaller than, a given value. As a result, the stability-limit depth of cut is preliminarily analyzed to the milling self-excited vibration in consideration of a pick feed, the gradient angle of a workpiece, and a machining-surface curvature radius, so that man-hours required for creation and modification of NC data can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for determining a deviation of at least one regulating variable on chip removal machines with a mechanical drive for a tool and/or a workpiece, regulated by a control system, wherein the regulation comprises a plurality of values of at least three spatial axes for the control system and for the drive, and the values have a functional relation with the axes. A protocol is prepared from a plurality of control system actual values detected by measuring devices and/or selected drive actual values and a control system nominal value and/or a drive nominal value is calculated at least in relation to an axis, and a control system differential value and/or a drive differential value is calculated at least in relation to the axis. A chip removal machine which implements such a method is disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for detecting a geometry of a workpiece for the purposes of processing the workpiece. In order to simplify optimization of a manufacturing strategy for processing a workpiece, the system has at least one camera for producing at least one image of the workpiece before a processing step, a memory area for desired geometry values the workpiece should have after the processing step, determination means for determining workpiece geometry values the workpiece has before the processing step on the basis of the at least one image, and calculating means for calculating differential geometry values describing a difference between the workpiece geometry values and the desired geometry values.

Abstract: A process planning apparatus extracts a region to be machined based on the difference of the shape data before and after machining of the workpiece, replaces the extracted region into combinations of the predetermined machining features, allocates a predetermined fixed cycle to each of the replaced machining features, and applies an assessment function relating to a machining time and a life of the end mill to each of the combinations of the machining features to which the fixed cycles are respectively allocated, thereby selecting a group of the fixed cycles which makes an assessment value obtained by the assessment function optimum as the optimal process. By these steps, it becomes possible to design the process for causing the NC machine employing end mills as a cutting tool to perform a predetermined machining of a workpiece without relying on the experience of the designer, and without necessitating complicated work.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for managing a drilling operation in a multicomponent particulate system.

Abstract: A portioning system (10) includes a scanner (16) for scanning a passing poultry breast (14). A cutting device (18), a slicing device (20) and/or other equipment may be used to portion, trim, or otherwise process the poultry breast under the control of a computer (22). The computer also utilizes the information from the scanner to determine position and the angular orientation of the poultry breast relative to a reference line by determining directional lines corresponding to physical attributes of the poultry breast. One directional line is related to the principal axis of the poultry breast, determined from the axis of least inertia of the poultry breast. Other directional lines may correspond to the locations of notches, projections, linear depressions, or other physical anatomical features of the poultry breast.

Abstract: A method for generating, by a direct process, a tool path for milling a region of a workpiece by a milling cutter is disclosed. The tool path consists of one or more passes. The method includes the steps of storing a maximum engagement of the milling cutter and defining each one of the one or more passes such that a value of the engagement, when traversing each one of the one or more passes, does not exceed the maximum value of engagement.

Abstract: According to the invention, an initial trajectory (2) that is to be followed in a positionally guided manner is input into a computer (15), said initial trajectory (2) being described by an initial function (AF) such that one respective corresponding position (pA) is determined on the initial trajectory (2) by substituting a scalar trajectory parameter (s) into the initial function (AF). The scalar trajectory parameter (s) is different from time (t) while being characteristic of a distance (s) covered along the initial trajectory (2). The computer (15) filters the initial trajectory (2) with low-pass characteristics referring to the scalar trajectory parameter (s) as a function of the scalar trajectory parameter (s) and thus determines a rough function (GF) such that one respective corresponding position (pG) is determined on the rough trajectory (13) by substituting the scalar trajectory parameter (s) into the rough function (GF).

Abstract: The present invention describes a device incorporating artificial intelligence and corresponding methods for recommending an optimal machinability data selection, especially with machine performance degradation. The device comprises of a first component, which feeds the system with necessary inputs. A second component, which is the main processing unit, acts as an inference engine to predict the outputs. The last component interprets the outputs, conveys the processed outputs to target location and converts them into necessary tasks. The inputs are identified as the machining operations, work piece material, machining tool type, and depth of cut. The input includes machine performance characteristics as well, that is the degradation level of the machine which interrelates with machine vibration and surface finishing. The outputs are the machining parameters, comprising of the optimal cutting speed and feed rate. The inference engine can be established with fuzzy logic, neural network or neural-fuzzy.

Abstract: A system for processing material includes a measuring device, a processing apparatus, and a mechanism for transmitting measurement information from the measuring device to the processing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to optimize punching instructions. An example method disclosed herein obtains a tool bed layout, the tool bed including a description of a plurality of tool punch parts, each tool punch part further including tool definition information; obtains a component layout, the component including a description of a component having at least one feature requiring a punching operation; validates the component layout; advances the component to a position of optimum depth; determines a hit score at the position of optimum depth; and repeats the component advancing and the hit score determination until all of the at least one feature of the component is assigned to a tool punch part.

Abstract: A system for generating milling codes includes a plurality of personal computers (10), a database (14), and an application server (12). The application server, connected between the personal computers and the database, includes a circular hole handling module (125), for handling circular holes of an engineering drawing, and receiving relevant parameters of the circular holes; a non-circular hole handling module (126), for determining and handling all non-circular holes of the engineering drawing, and receiving relevant parameters of the non-circular holes; a milling path generating module (128), for generating milling paths according to the parameters of the circular holes and the non-circular holes; and a milling code generating module (129), for generating milling codes according to the milling paths. A related method for generating milling codes is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an indirect controller for a plant. A plant can be provided with both a direct controller and an indirect controller with a system model or a committee of system models. When the system model has sufficient integrity to satisfy the plant requirements, i.e., when the system model has been sufficiently trained, the indirect controller with the system model is automatically enabled to replace the direct controller. When the performance falls, the direct controller can automatically assume operation of the plant, preferably maintaining operation in a control region suitable for generating additional training data for the system model. Alternatively, the system model incorporates a committee of models. Various types of sources for errors in the committee of models can be detected and used to implement strategies to improve the quality of the committee.

Abstract: A multiobjective evolutionary algorithm unit feeds a set of parameters of an individual to a search history storage device in a fitness estimating unit and to an optimization target. The optimization target outputs a set of sampled values of fitnesses on the basis of the set of parameters of the individual. The search history storage device stores the set of parameters of the individual and a set of sampled values as a search history. The fitness estimating module computes a set of estimated values of true fitnesses on the basis of the search history stored in the search history storage device for output to the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm unit. The multiobjective evolutionary algorithm unit determines a Pareto-optimal population in accordance with a genetic algorithm on the basis of a plurality of sets of estimated values.

Abstract: To complete a CAM operation without requiring manual operations for generating NC data, which enables accurate and rapid machining, through organized integration of each means and increase in the speed to determine conditions. To achieve this, the present invention comprises a shape input means 1 for inputting a shape of a work piece; a machining planning means 2 for planning a machining method of the work piece; an NC data generating means 3 for generating NC data used for machining the work piece; an NC data verifying and editing means 4 for verifying and editing the NC data; and an NC data output means 5 for outputting the NC data, wherein the NC data is integrally generated based on the shape data of the work piece as the work piece successively passes through these means.

Abstract: A machining information generating apparatus includes shape analyzing unit that obtains CAD data, searches a shape database of machining profile information for necessary information based on the CAD data, and performs a shape analysis, thereby creating an equation model for an uncut amount along an intended machining profile based on an uncut amount result from a simulation of a tool and data about the machining profile.

Abstract: A polishing method can automatically reset polishing conditions according to a state of a polishing member based on data on a polishing profile changing with time, thereby extending life of the polishing member and obtaining flatness of a polished surface with higher accuracy. The polishing method, includes steps of: independently applying a desired pressure by each of pressing portions of a top ring on a polishing object; estimating a polishing profile of the polishing object based on set pressure values, and calculating a recommended polishing pressure value so that a difference between the polishing profile of the polishing object after it is polished under certain polishing conditions and a desired polishing profile becomes smaller; and polishing the polishing object with the recommended polishing pressure value.

Abstract: In a method for the adaptive feed rate regulation on a numerically controlled machine tool, which is used for the metal-removing processing of workpieces using a tool rotating on a spindle according to the specification of an NC program, the input power of the spindle is held as constant as possible by the influence of a tool feed rate established in the NC program for the motion between the tool and the workpiece. The method for the adaptive feed rate regulation is activated by a command of the NC program that initiates the processing of the workpiece, and is deactivated by a command of the NC program that terminates the processing of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a robotic machining process that gives a controlled removal rate of material from a workpiece when an object, tool or workpiece, held by a robot is brought into contact with a stationary object, workpiece or tool. A signal indicative of the force applied by the held object t the stationary object is used to control the rate at which the robot moves the held object in relation to the stationary object. Associated with the robot is a controller that has tunable proportional and integral gains. The controller determines a command for the feed rate of the tool when the tool engages the workpiece. In response to that command, the proportional and integral gains are tuned to obtain a cutting force to be applied to the workpiece when the tool engages the workpiece that is substantially the same as a desired cutting force.

Abstract: A method and system for determining which machine tools to turn off during slow periods to achieve maximum cost savings with minimum cycle time increase. It uses a product demand forecast and a simplified approach to the X-factor theory to provide an objective, analytical model showing the cost savings of potentially turning off different quantities and types of machine tools versus the resulting impact on increased cycle time. This model, which can be visually plotted into a graph, can aid management decision as to the optimum machine tools to turn off while fine-tuning the marginal machine choices can keep cycle time under a predetermined acceptable maximum.

Abstract: A system includes a process tool for processing a workpiece, a process controller, and a fault monitor. The process controller is configured to determine a control action for updating an operating recipe of the process tool. The fault monitor is configured to determine at least one fault detection threshold based on the control action. A method includes determining a control action for updating an operating recipe of a process tool and determining at least one fault detection threshold based on the control action.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motion control system for a machine tool system wherein a value of a surface finish quality parameter of the motion control system is adjusted to control the surface finish of a part machined with the machine tool system. The machine tool system may include a conversational mode of operation and a NC mode of operation.

Abstract: A method for the preparation, editing and maintenance of tool data sets for machining processes in an NC control system has at least one tool data organization that is separate from the control and is stored in the memory of an ADP system. The tool data organization has tool data sets for tools that for each of the tools to be used has the space for static and dynamic data. The tool data organization has separate list data sets of a machining process that can each contain a reference to the associated tool data set, and the required list data sets are taken over and stored in memory, together with the associated tool data sets, for process execution in the NC data processing unit. At least the dynamic data of the tool data sets can be updated in accordance with the current NC machining processes.

Abstract: A method for pore pressure prediction. The method includes obtaining a stress sensitivity coefficient, obtaining a compressional wave (P-wave) velocity and a shear wave (S-wave) velocity for a pre-drill location and obtaining a first predicted pore pressure. Further, the method includes iteratively performing calculating a total stress value associated with the pre-drill location using the first predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location, and calculating a second predicted pore pressure associated with the pre-drill location using a stress-pressure relationship equation, a stress-velocity relationship equation, the stress sensitivity coefficient, a reference location, and at least one selected from a group consisting of the P-wave velocity and the S-wave velocity for the pre-drill location, and adjusting a drilling operation associated with the pre-drill location, based on the second predicted pore pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and manufacturing customized prefabricated buildings in optimized modules.

Abstract: A number of methods to support process quality and maintenance during control of an industrial process such as welding are provided. The methods provide, among other things: automatic process limit programming based on runtime data; user-initiated process limit programming based on upcoming data; correlate equipment deterioration based on capability measurement; correlate tip dressers/formers to new; detect electrical deterioration; integrate process data with programmed data for a visual aid; and quantify process variation in welding tools (pareto of stddev of the c-factor).

Abstract: A communication control system and method of communicating between a numerical control device and a plurality of servomotors, includes connecting the numerical control device to a plurality of servoamps of the plurality of servomotors in a loop configuration via bi-directional serial communication cables, splitting command data in the numerical control device, outputting a first portion of command data to one of the plurality of servoamps from the numerical control device in a counter-clockwise direction and a second portion of command data to one of the plurality of servoamps from the numerical control device in a clockwise direction, splitting feedback data in one of the plurality of servoamps, transmitting a first portion of feedback data to the numerical control device in a counter-clockwise direction from the one of plurality of servoamps in response to the first portion of command data, and transmitting a second portion of data to the numerical control device from the one of the plurality of servoamps i

Abstract: A data transmission system in accordance with the present invention is configured so that a control device 29 of an NC machine tool 20 may be connected to a data management device via a network 2. The control device 29 comprises a data storage section 32 which stores data, a setting data storage section 41 which stores setting data for determining whether or not to approve a transmission and/or reception for every data stored in the data storage section 32, and a data transmission/reception section 42 which is configured so that a transmission and/or reception process may be performed only on data which has been approved for transmission and/or reception by referring to the setting data stored in the setting data storage section 41.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of checking a learning control execution interval for the entry of a command or signal that varies an operation pattern. The numerical controller reads machining programs in succession and sets a flag F to 1 until a learning control end command is read after a learning control start command is read. In a learning control interval during which the flag F is set to 1, it is determined whether or not an inappropriate command or signal is inputted during a learning process such that the operation pattern is varied. If it is concluded that such a command or signal is inputted, an alarm stop or feed hold stop is performed, the cause of stopping is displayed, and learning control is nullified. If any inappropriate command or signal is inputted during the learning process, the operation is stopped and the cause is displayed, so that the machining programs can be corrected with ease. Thus, wrong cutting or the like can be prevented from being caused by the learning control.

Abstract: Processing a work piece by first scanning the work piece. The work piece is modeled to determine its outer perimeter and/or how the work piece could be divided into portions of specific areas and perimeters based on desired portion sizes of desired areas and perimeters. The modeled work piece and/or the modeled portions are compared with the one or more desired perimeter configurations. The deviation of the modeled outer perimeter size of the work piece and/or portions from the desired perimeter configuration(s) is calculated. Based on such calculations, one or more steps in processing the work piece and/or portions therefrom is carried out. Such one or more steps may include modeling the work piece again, using different modeling criteria or options, if the calculated deviation is outside an acceptable range.

Abstract: An automatic programming method includes a first processing including detecting a turning surface having a largest diameter in the product model, and determining a central axis of rotation on the turning surface detected as a turning axis of the product model; a second processing including shifting or rotating the product model so that the turning axis of the product model determined matches a turning axis of the work model; and a third processing including shifting the product model so that an end face of the product model shifted at the second processing matches a program origin preset in the work model, for automatically arranging the product model so as to be overlapped on the work model.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically and dynamically optimize available resources to meet application data availability and business objectives. In one embodiment, a backup and data recovery system continually and dynamically adjust to the backup and recovery or restore process depending on the customer's environment, workload, and business objectives. Acceptable tolerance of downtime due to recovery and backup impacts the customer's business or system operation. From this high-level business requirement, the present system determines the backup and recovery plan details. The present system accepts application data availability policies based on business objectives, and devises, executes and refines a resource optimal backup and recovery strategy required to deliver the desired quality of service in the environments that have dynamically changing application workloads, business objectives, and hardware/software infrastructure technologies.