Abstract: A computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching includes client computers (6), a server (1), and a database (2). The client computers are used for transmitting client drawings to the server, and obtaining machining drawings from the server. The database is used for storing the client drawings, punching tool information, turret information, punching tool layout information, relevant production management information, machining drawings of workpieces, and statements for control of machining processes. The server is connected to a production management system (3) through a network (4), and is used for automatically selecting, mounting and laying out punching tools, optimizing turrets, simulating machining of workpieces, and exporting CNC (computer numerical control) code files, types of machines, machining information on workpieces and materials of the workpieces to the production management system in order to have statements for control of relevant machining processes generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centering a log for veneer peeling in a lathe. In the method the log is first centered in the centering arrangement of the lathe equipment using centering alignment data based on the contour of the log. On the basis of the thus determined centering data, a computer simulation of peeling is carried out and the results thereof are displayed. The operator performs an alternative centering based on visual evaluation of the log end and, using this centering data, another computer simulation of log peeling is carried out. The peeling outcomes are displayed as an image. The peeling outcomes of all simulations are compared with each other and the centering of actual peeling operation is performed using the centering data giving the optimum yield of peeling.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a gravure engraving machine includes the steps of providing an engraving signal to the engraving machine to cause production of a cell, measuring the volume of the cell, comparing the measured cell value to a predetermined cell volume and adjusting the engraving cell in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: A numerical control system comprises a high speed operation buffer 27 for storing all the NC control data (interpolation movement amount or acceleration or deceleration data, etc.) occurring in time series by executing apart program, a time series data parallel display part 62 for reading and displaying the data in time series, an optimization processing part 61 for making the edit process such as recalculation process to deletion of Null data, etc. and temporally shift the group of specific data or change the pattern in the group of said data, and a second high speed operation buffer 60 for storing the processing result. The series of processes are performed by a personal computer (PC) 51 connected to an NC apparatus 1 to be able to exchange data. The data stored in the second high speed operation buffer 60 is transferred to the side of the NC apparatus 1, and read and executed, whereby the optimal processing with temporal editing is performed at high speed.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing machine processes in which the machines are regulated by a machine regulation matrix selected from a plurality of machine regulation matrixes using a detected machine sensor value, set-point values of the machines being stored in each machine regulation matrix. A process is optimized according to a predefined criterion by also using some of the machine sensor values such that a machine regulation matrix which is optimal according to the process optimization is determined from the plurality of machine regulation matrixes and is subsequently used for regulating the machines.

Abstract: In a method for engraving printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, printing densities are matched in individual engraving lanes by engraving cups in the printing lanes with which the prescribed characteristic rated printing densities are to be achieved. The actual printing densities are identified by measurement after the printing. A corrected lane calibration is derived for the respective engraving lane from deviations between the rated printing densities and the actual printing densities. The allocated corrected lane calibration is applied in the engraving lanes.

Abstract: A machining feed rate for machining a workpiece portion to be machined by a machining tool based upon a machining program is set by reading a data of the workpiece portion, by sectionalizing the workpiece portion in an area corresponding to a workpiece shape of the workpiece portion, and by determining a shape change point based upon a workpiece shape of the workpiece portion. The machining feed rate is set for each area and for each shape change point with reference to a predetermined parameter corresponding to an attribute of the each sectionalized area and corresponding to an attribute of the each determined shape change point.

Abstract: When a command radius r of a circular interpolation control exceeds a threshold value, a computer computes a speed limit for the circular speed at which the acceleration becomes constant. When the command radius r of the circular interpolation control is less than or equal to the threshold value, the computer 100 computes another speed limit for the circular speed at which r?3 or r?4 becomes constant, where ? is the angular frequency. The computer performs the circular interpolation control by safeguarding the circular speed from exceeding one of the speed limits in accordance with the command radius r of the circular interpolation control.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for centralizing knowledge and improving programming for manufacturing a part. An embodiment includes a method for manufacturing the part. First, a model of the part is received. Next, a predetermined rule is retrieved from a computer readable medium having a plurality of predetermined rules. A feature of the geometric model is selected by evaluating the retrieved predetermined rule and a process is determined that is associated with the feature. Based on the process, computer code is generated to manufacture the part on a computer controlled machine.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to generate NC (Numerical Control) data to improve efficiency of machining. This invention comprises the steps of: generating NC data to machine a first portion of an object, wherein the first portion is specified based on a supposed cutting load distribution of the object; and generating NC data to machine the object after the first portion of the object was machined. Thus, at least two-phase machining data is generated which is separated based on high or low of the supposed cutting load, for example. That is, a tool machine processes the object stepwise. Therefore, it becomes possible that a portion is machined in advance, that it is determined that it is better to machine beforehand based on the supposed cutting load distribution, and the object after the machining is separately machined.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus 1 comprises: storing sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 for storing shape data of a product having a recess and a protrusion formed in the bottom surface inside the recess, workpiece data, tool data, and machining condition data; a concave portion machining tool storing section 15 for storing the identification data of a plurality of tools selected in advance as tools to be used for the machining of the recess; a CL data generating section 16 for referring to the identification data, thereby setting a plurality of tool combinations, and then generating CL data of the recess for each combination; a machining time calculating section 18 for calculating the machining time for each combination on the basis of the CL data; and an NC program generating section 20 for generating an NC program by using the CL data having the minimum machining time.

Abstract: A numerical procedure for simulating the behavior of incompressible, viscous fluid in a casting/molding process. The method is based on classical fluid dynamic equations and uses control volume-finite element and numerical techniques to solve the momentum and energy equations to obtain solution for the variable parameters. The method incorporates five additional modules which simulate fluid flow in the shot sleeve, heat transfer between the die and the heat transfer fluid, die cooling by lubricant, formation of mend line. These additional simulation modules produce realistic boundary conditions, and replace many of the assumptions that would have to be made, to solve the governing equations. These added improvements ensure a faster convergence of the numerical solution and a more realistic simulation of the die casting process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a numerically controlled machine tool and a program transforming method therefor where a NC program is transformed into an optimum program even by a non-expert programmer. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for optimizing a NC program for operating a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising: making the NC program to be loaded into the numerically controlled machine tool; designating a portion of the NC program to be determined whether it is transformable and/or a portion of the NC program to be determined whether a command position is changeable; storing the NC program in a memory; determining whether the designated portion is transformable and/or whether the designated command position is changeable; and transforming the designated portion and/or changing the designated command position, and making an operating program file for the numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: Active resource control of added functionality in a numerical control process having at least one resource is provided. It can occur during run-time of the numerical control process, that an added functionality that uses at least a portion of the resource. On-line checking of the added functionality detects during run time whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit. Error handling handles errors upon reaching a resource limit. Off-line checking detects off-line, before the run time of the numerical control process, whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. Multiple layers are provided that check at multiple layers of the numerical control process whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. A flexible response to resource limit errors based on a degree of importance of the added functionality is provided.

Abstract: Upon analyzing a processing program (5) in an analyzer (11, 31), a numerical control apparatus extracts information about a contact position between a tool and a workpiece, and based on the information, it calculates a main spindle revolution instruction value in a main spindle revolution calculator 14, 38). In a CAM system, information about the contact position between the tool and the workpiece to be supplied to the numerical control apparatus is calculated and added to the processing program.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising sampling at least one parameter characteristic of processing performed on a workpiece in at least one processing step, and modeling the at least one characteristic parameter sampled using an adaptive sampling processing model, treating sampling as an integrated part of a dynamic control environment, varying the sampling based upon at least one of situational information, upstream events and requirements of run-to-run controllers. The method also comprises applying the adaptive sampling processing model to modify the processing performed in the at least one processing step.

Abstract: An external drum laser imagesetter providing one or more imaging beams. The drum is rotated in a fast scan direction and the one or more beams are modulated while the beams are moved in a slow scan direction. In one embodiment, the imaging beams are deflected in a slow scan direction to compensate for the spiral advance.

Abstract: A shape data creating apparatus for creating shape data by utilizing a database has an operation measures database. The operation measures database stores attributes of working accuracy, reliability and working cost in a unit of operation of working or assembling. A shape operation measures selecting unit selects a measure used for practical work from a plurality of measure possibly used for working and assembling. A totaling unit calculates workability, assembling efficiency and cost of a shape when working measure and assembling measure selected by consulting attributes stored in the operation measures database are used. A process database stores operation processes of working and assembling. Addition, deletion and order change in an operation process are processed by a shape operation process editing unit.

Abstract: Complex process control and maintenance are performed utilizing a nonlinear regression analysis to determine optimal maintenance activities and process adjustments based on an urgency metric.

Abstract: Based on the realization that, at the instant a holding brake in the drive of a machine tool is actuated, it may not be necessary to precisely observe the setpoint values, it may be provided to adapt control parameters in the controller of the drive such that, given an engaged holding brake, oscillations may be avoided or substantially reduced. By applying a correction value to the controller, it may be possible to prevent the adaptation of the control parameters from resulting in a change at the output of the controller.

Abstract: A method for controlling process parameters to achieve constant process conditions, including studying the actual data and reference data independent of time and applying them one on top of the other so that, in the case of optimum match, a 45° straight line is achieved or, in the case of non-match, one tries to achieve a 45° straight line by modifying the process parameters.

Abstract: A model producing means for modeling a chip model at an edge of a solid model of a nozzle through a predetermined space in a three-dimensional virtual space, and a trace machining propriety judging means for watching a state of an interference between the chip model and the solid model of a workpiece at the time of simulation of laser beam machining program and outputting a predetermined signal when releasing the state of the interference are provided. If an inconvenient instruction wherein the nozzle and the workpiece do not face each other is included in the laser beam machining program, the chip model departs from the solid model of the workpiece and the trace machining propriety judging means outputs a predetermined signal, through which program error can be properly detected with no visual observation of an operator.

Abstract: An adaptive control system and method for controlling the path feed rate to achieve a target spindle load during machine tool operations. The adaptive control system can provide load monitoring capability, which will actively monitor an incoming load signal from a spindle drive and determine if it exceeds warning and alarm levels. If the incoming load being monitored exceeds the set warning level, a warning output is asserted and maintained until the incoming load falls below the set warning level. If the incoming load exceeds the set alarm level, the alarm output and feed hold output are asserted and maintained until an adaptive controller reset is requested. Normal cutting operations cannot resume until the conditions that generated the alarm level are addressed. Adaptive control of machine tool operations is provided by monitoring of the incoming load and requesting feed rate changes based on a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller algorithm.

Abstract: A method is provided for assisting an operator in setting optimized machine parameters of a machine tool. The machine parameters are used for controlling the machining. The method comprises manual selecting priority values for at least two mutually dependent target values representing the machining performance and automatically determining the machine parameters based on the selected priority values. A corresponding operator support system is also provided.

Abstract: A servo control system which comprises an original cam pattern generator 11 for generating a first pattern of a cam shape relative to a phase corresponding to one revolution of a cam mechanism; a corrector 14 for differentiating the original pattern of the original pattern generator 11 with respect to time, multiplying the differentiation value by a constant to find a multiplication value, and subtracting a predetermined phase from the multiplication value to generate a correction cam pattern; and a position command device 14 for adding the above-mentioned correction pattern to the above-mentioned original pattern to generate a second pattern and generating a position command of the above-mentioned servomotor based on the phase corresponding to one revolution of the above-mentioned cam mechanism using the second pattern.

Abstract: An NC apparatus 1 replaces a required machining shape of a workpiece 5 with a predetermined canned machining cycle depending on a specification of machining conditions including a machining start point, a machining end point, and the size of an end mill E to be used. Calculation of an estimated value of cutting force exerted on the end mill E fed along the assumed tool path during the replaced canned machining cycle is repeated until a predetermined comparison and evaluation result is obtained in comparison with a predetermined appropriate value. Accordingly, the tool path of the end mill E together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path is determined. This permits generation of an NC program which is used in a NC machine equipped with an end mill serve as a cutting tool, and which optimizes the tool path of the end mill together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path such as to achieve high machining efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one time constant of a reference model, which is designed as a 2nd order time-delay element of a machine. The method includes detecting an oscillation frequency of an undamped machine oscillation and determining an optimized value of a time constant of the reference model as a function of the detected oscillation frequency of the undamped machine oscillation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a numerically controlled machine tool and a program transforming method therefor where a NC program is transformed into an optimum program even by a non-expert programmer. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for optimizing a NC program for operating a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising: making the NC program to be loaded into the numerically controlled machine tool; designating a portion of the NC program to be determined whether it is transformable and/or a portion of the NC program to be determined whether a command position is changeable; storing the NC program in a memory; determining whether the designated portion is transformable and/or whether the designated command position is changeable; and transforming the designated portion and/or changing the designated command position, and making an operating program file for the numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for centralizing knowledge and improving programming for manufacturing a part. An embodiment includes a method for manufacturing the part. First, a model of the part is received. Next, a predetermined rule is retrieved from a computer readable medium having a plurality of predetermined rules. A feature of the geometric model is selected by evaluating the retrieved predetermined rule and a process is determined that is associated with the feature. Based on the process, computer code is generated to manufacture the part on a computer controlled machine.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is implemented for determining the variability of a manufacturing system having a plurality of subsystems. Each subsystem of the plurality of subsystems is characterized by signal factors, noise factors, control factors, and an output response, all having mean and variance values. Response models are then fitted to each subsystem to determine unknown coefficients for use in the response models that characterize the relationship between the signal factors, noise factors, control factors, and the corresponding output response having mean and variance values that are related to the signal factors, noise factors, and control factors. The response models for each subsystem are coupled to model the output of the manufacturing system as a whole.

Abstract: A rotational machining and quality assurance method for thermally extruded linings of turbomachinery are provided. First, a harder top coating is removed by turning, then the lining is finish-turned to size. During the finish-turning, defined turning parameters are maintained and a cutting force characteristic is quantitatively detected and stored. The force characteristic is compared with predetermined limit values, and, depending on the result of the comparison, the lining is approved for use or is produced again.

Abstract: A method of determining feed and radial forces has the steps of subdividing work materials into seven groups which are different from one another by Brinell hardness, for each group separately determining a feed force and radial force based on a tangential force in accordance with individual formula which is different from formulas for other groups, and also separately for a turning process and for a boring process. Also, a calculator is proposed which utilizes the inventive method.

Abstract: A method for automatically correcting the systematic errors in measurement machines and in manufacturing machines, in particular in machine tools, characterised by comprising the following operative steps in succession: identifying the parametric mathematical model of the machine, initially assigning, to the parameters of said parametric mathematical model, numerical values considered to be close to the effective values, to obtain a provisional mathematical model of the machine, effecting a plurality of mutually independent distance measurements within the working field of the machine, determining the differences between the experimentally measured distance values and the corresponding distance values deduced from said provisional mathematical model, to define the corresponding provisional inaccuracy index of the machine, varying said parameters in the sense of improving the predefined provisional inaccuracy index, to hence obtain a new provisional mathematical model of the machine which is closer to its defi

Abstract: The invention is directed to rendering a three-dimensional view of a workpiece shape based on a point set using a normal vector representation. The distribution of the normal vectors can be analyzed by a centered view of the normal vectors, which can be done manually and/or automatically. These structures give a first indication of the surface quality. In addition to the centered representation, the normal vectors can also be directly overlaid on the path, which facilitates the determination of local flaws. In addition, a pseudo-surface view can be generated based on the position of the normal vectors.

Abstract: A computer interface system for automated control of a laser drilling system has workpiece geometry template data defining a shape formed in a laser-milled workpiece. A user interface is receptive of a user selection characterizing a desired laser drilling operation. An expert system is adapted to receive the template data and the user selection, and is operable to adapt the template data to the user selection.

Abstract: Method for controlling and preconfiguring a steelworks or parts of a steelworks, the rolling stand or the rolling mill train being controlled and preconfigured by means of a model of the rolling stand or the rolling mill train, the model having at least one neural network whose parameters are matched or adapted to the actual conditions in the rolling stand or in the rolling mill train, in particular to the properties of the strip, the rate at which the parameters are matched or adapted to the actual conditions in the rolling stand or in the rolling mill train, in particular to the properties of the strip, being varied.

Abstract: A controller and method for efficient tracking and optimizing of a machine set-point, to correct for changes in machine characteristics, can include: (a) defining allowed ranges for output product properties and possible machine set-points, and optimal set-point criteria; (b) finding updated constants for the machine model by calibrating the model; (c) using the updated constants to find all set-points providing a product with properties within the allowed ranges; (d) determining an optimized set-point; (e) operating the machine at the optimized set-point, and obtaining a new output product; (f) comparing the properties of the new output product to the allowed ranges; (g) successfully finishing the procedure as finding a new set point if the properties of the output product are within allowed ranges; and, (h) if the properties of the output product are out of said allowed ranges, repeating the procedure from b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader control device 20 for controlling a loader 5 which delivers a work W to a chuck 2 of an outer device 1. The work W is delivered by the loader chuck 14 placed at a work delivering position. The displacement of a center position of the loader chuck 14 and the center position of the outer device chuck 2 at the time being is detected by the displaced amount detecting device 31 from the torque of the motors 11 and 12 of the loader 5. The adjusting device 32 adjusts the work delivering position of the loader chuck 14 by an amount corresponding to the detected displaced amount, when delivering the next work.

Abstract: An adaptive control system and method for controlling the path feed rate to achieve a target spindle load during machine tool operations. The adaptive control system can provide load monitoring capability, which will actively monitor an incoming load signal from a spindle drive and determine if it exceeds warning and alarm levels. If the incoming load being monitored exceeds the set warning level, a warning output is asserted and maintained until the incoming load falls below the set warning level. If the incoming load exceeds the set alarm level, the alarm output and feed hold output are asserted and maintained until an adaptive controller reset is requested. Normal cutting operations cannot resume until the conditions that generated the alarm level are addressed. Adaptive control of machine tool operations is provided by monitoring of the incoming load and requesting feed rate changes based on a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller algorithm.

Abstract: A maximum undeformed chip thickness, a cutting arc length or an engage angle, and an active angle for each tooth of the end mill are calculated when a ball end mill is used in machining, or the maximum undeformed chip thickness, the cutting arc length or the engage angle, and an axial depth of cut for each tooth of the end mill are calculated when a straight end mill is used in machining. Then, the estimated value of the cutting force Fxy or Fxyz in each portion of the tool path is calculated on the basis of a response surface whose explanation variables are composed of the above-mentioned calculated values, whereby the feed rate contained in an equation for the maximum undeformed chip thickness tm is determined to maintain the obtained estimated value of the cutting force Fxy or Fxyz at an appropriate value.

Abstract: A system and method for trim optimization comprising a database. The database comprises information concerning widths of specific machines of manufacturers, widths of the orders and remaining space required to be filled on the machines at a given time. The database further comprises specifications of products to be manufactured on the specific machines and specifications of the orders.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device incorporating artificial intelligence and corresponding methods for recommending an optimal machinability data selection. 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 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 fuzzy-neural network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for optimally designing automobile door seals. The system comprises data storage, data management and model design. The data storage consists of a plurality of storage units, each of which has data necessary for each condition. The data management consists of a plurality of mode selection units for selecting a mode from the data storage according to the characteristics of a door seal to be developed. The model design designs a complete door seal by imposing a variety of conditions on a model selected from the data management and performing various tests.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for manufacturing processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its manufacturing variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its manufacturing variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent manufacturing variable y.

Abstract: The present invention includes a central control system and method for fine tuning a cigarette manufacturing process. A measurement device captures measurements of particular cigarette properties. The measurement data is sent to and stored in a central database. Once sufficient measurement data has been stored, the data is loaded into an optimization program that outputs optimized controlled parameters that may be used by individual control systems to better control the properties of the cigarettes during manufacture. The central control system and method may be used with both off-line and in-line measurement devices, and can communicate and control such devices regardless of the manufacturer thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimizing method for regulating the operating state of a guided machine tool having a tool rotating at a certain speed and subjected to a percussion frequency during a boring action, in which said tool, subjected in addition to a force, is driven into an object of a given material.

Abstract: An apparatus for proposing bending sequences and bending tools for a metal plate part includes system for storing a development plan of the metal plate part; system for detecting a plurality of bending sequence proposals which make it possible to manufacture the metal plate part based on the development plan, and bending tool proposals used in each bending process of each bending sequence proposal; and system for displaying the plurality of bending sequence proposals. Such display includes information showing the stage numbers in each bending sequence proposal.

Abstract: A system and a method ascertain the optimum operating speed of a production machine that is configured to operate in a specific speed range. The production machine is assigned a data acquisition device that acquires production data, in particular time and duration of machine downtimes caused by fault events, and also production unit numbers per unit time. A data processing device acquires additional information, by using a data input device, in particular the respective reason for a failure, and also the description of the product to be processed in each case. Using a production-data acquisition device, production data can be called up from the data acquisition device and linked with the additional information from the data input device. An assessment function ascertains an operating speed from the production data and a stored assessment model. An optimization function forms an optimum operating speed desired value by linking the ascertained operating speed with production unit costs.

Abstract: Active resource control of added functionality in a numerical control process having at least one resource is provided. It can occur during run-time of the numerical control process, that an added functionality that uses at least a portion of the resource. On-line checking of the added functionality detects during run time whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit. Error handling handles errors upon reaching a resource limit. Off-line checking detects off-line, before the run time of the numerical control process, whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. Multiple layers are provided that check at multiple layers of the numerical control process whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. A flexible response to resource limit errors based on a degree of importance of the added functionality is provided.

Abstract: A device for vibration control in a machine for internal turning uses a cutting tool supported by a tool holder, and has a control unit, a vibration sensor connectible to the control unit, and an actuator connectible to the control unit. The actuator has an active element, which converts an A.C. voltage supplied by the control unit to the actuator into dimensional changes. The active element is adapted to be embedded in the body of the tool holder, and is adapted to be embedded in such a manner that the dimensional changes impart bending to the body of the tool holder. A method for vibration control in internal turning and a tool holder for internal turning are provided.