Method for operating a workpiece machining system, in particular a panel dividing saw, open loop and / or closed loop control device, workpiece machining system and storage facility

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a workpiece machining system, in particular a panel dividing saw (12), comprising at least the following steps: automatically providing, in particular determining by means of at least one sensor device (52-64), at least one first variable, which characterises a quality characteristic of a starting workpiece (14) or of a machined workpiece resulting from the starting workpiece (14). It is proposed that the method further comprises the steps: automatically providing a second variable, which identifies the starting workpiece (14) and which is not the first variable, automatically creating and storing a data set which links the first variable with the second variable.

Description

[0001] Title: Procedure for operating a

[0002] Workpiece processing system, in particular a panel cutting saw, control and / or regulating device, workpiece processing system and storage

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a method for operating a workpiece processing system, in particular a

[0005] Panel dividing saw, a control and / or regulating device as well as a workpiece processing system and a storage according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0006] DE 10 2018 110 942 A1 describes a method for

[0007] Operating a workpiece processing system, namely a panel dividing saw, with which a large-format, panel-shaped initial workpiece is divided into several, usually strip-shaped, workpieces. In this process, a geometric property of a divided workpiece is determined using a sensor device. This allows the quality of the divided workpiece to be assessed, and a statement can be made immediately after division as to whether the divided workpiece meets a desired quality requirement.

[0008] This is also based on the fact that, especially with wood-based materials, there are material properties (e.g. residual stress state, bulk density, residual moisture, fiber orientation, silicate content, etc.) which are subject to certain fluctuations due to fluctuations in the manufacturing process of the initial workpieces and due to the transport and storage environment of the initial workpieces or the respective weather conditions. In conjunction with the specific machining process, this can lead to fluctuations in the quality of the machined workpieces and even to the production of workpieces with unsatisfactory machining results, for example due to dimensional and angular deviations, edge chipping, waviness and cupping (i.e. the deviation of the actual straightness of the board surface from the target straightness), insufficient stability of the edge bonding, insufficient stability of screw and dowel connections, etc.In the case of wood-based panels and, in particular, particle boards, the cooling and storage conditions immediately after production influence the residual stresses in the original workpieces. After a workpiece has been cut, e.g., in a panel dividing saw, these residual stresses lead to dimensional and angular deviations in the manufactured or cut workpieces. The cooling and storage conditions can vary depending on the production environment during manufacture of the original workpieces, depending on the location, seasonally, or weather conditions. For example, particle boards produced in winter have different residual stresses than particle boards produced in summer due to the different ambient temperatures and air humidity.

[0009] Furthermore, differences in the production facilities for the source workpieces in multiple production sites of the same supplier or between different suppliers can lead to differences in the material properties of the source workpieces. In the case of wood and plastic panels, for example, there are increasing fluctuations in the properties of the source workpieces due to the increased use of recycled raw materials. In addition to the residual stresses, this also influences other properties such as the material density and strength, which also has an impact on the quality of the machined workpieces, for example in the case of panel-shaped workpieces with regard to the edge quality, the strength of connecting elements such as dowels, or with regard to the strength of the gluing of edge coatings.These quality deviations, particularly in wood-based panels, are usually only discovered in later process steps during the machining of the workpieces or even during the assembly of the finished individual parts.

[0010] Based on this, the present invention has the object of specifying a method for operating a workpiece processing system by means of which quality fluctuations in machined workpieces can be reduced.

[0011] This object is achieved by the method specified in the independent claims, as well as by the control and / or regulating device and workpiece processing system and bearing specified in the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The method according to the invention has the advantage that a database of data records can be created which allows an analysis of the quality of the initial workpieces or of the machined workpieces resulting from them in connection with the respective initial workpiece specifically identified by a corresponding identifier (second variable). By means of the identification, the initial workpiece can be assigned to a group of initial workpieces with the same identifier or at least a similar identifier. In this way, it can be detected in particular whether initial workpieces of a specific group of initial workpieces have a quality problem or lead to a quality problem in the machined workpieces.This can be taken into account in the future use of similar specific starting workpieces that are identifiable by the same or similar second sizes and thus belong to the same group, and this can reduce or prevent quality problems in future machining processes.

[0013] Specifically, this is achieved by a method for operating a workpiece machining system with specific method steps. The method according to the invention comprises, as a step a, an automatic provision, in particular determination by means of at least one sensor device of the workpiece machining system and / or a storage facility for the initial workpieces connected to the workpiece machining system and / or a transport facility present between the storage facility and the workpiece machining system, of at least one first variable which characterizes a quality property of an initial workpiece or of a machined workpiece resulting from the initial workpiece.

[0014] The term "workpiece processing plant" describes a plant in which an initial workpiece is modified by machining, for example, using a machine tool, which in this case is usually a rotating one.

[0015] If the workpiece processing system is a panel cutting system, for example a panel cutting saw, then the starting workpiece is typically a large-format panel, and the processing typically consists of dividing the large-format panel by a sawing device into divided and initially mostly strip-shaped workpieces. The large-format panel-shaped starting workpieces can, for example, be large-format and comparatively thin panels made of a wood-based material, in particular chipboard. The panel-shaped starting workpieces can, for example, be provided with a coating. Such panel-shaped workpieces are used, for example, for the manufacture of furniture.

[0016] The term "warehouse for the output workpieces" describes an area in which the output workpieces are stored or kept in stock and from which the output workpieces can be retrieved and transported to the workpiece processing system. If the workpiece processing system is a panel cutting saw, then the warehouse is typically a panel storage area in which the large-format panel-shaped output workpieces are stored in the form of panel stacks. For the automatic transport of an output workpiece from the panel storage area to the panel cutting saw, an automatic transport device is typically used, which for example has a

[0017] can include gantry robots.

[0018] If the first variable is provided by a sensor device, the sensor device sends corresponding signals to a control and / or regulating device, and these signals at least indirectly characterize the said quality characteristic or allow quantitative or qualitative conclusions to be drawn about the said quality characteristic. The quality characteristic can, for example, be a characteristic that ultimately enables an assessment of the type "good" or "bad," for example, by comparing a numerical value with a corresponding limit value.

[0019] The method according to the invention further comprises, as a step b, the automatic provision of a second variable which identifies the output workpiece and which is not the first variable. This second variable is therefore not a quality property, but rather a type of name or identifier of the output workpiece which makes it possible to assign the output workpiece to a group of output workpieces with the same name or identifier or at least a similar name or identifier. The second variable can, for example, have been recorded or determined and stored when the output workpieces are placed in storage, and can then be retrieved and provided in this way when the method according to the invention is carried out.

[0020] Finally, the method according to the invention comprises, as a step c, the automatic creation and storage of a data set which links the first variable to the second variable. Preferably, steps ac are carried out repeatedly for different initial workpieces, thereby enabling improved statistical significance of the assignment of a specific quality property of an initial workpiece or of a machined workpiece to a specific group of initial workpieces which is characterized by a specific second variable or specific second variables.

[0021] In a further development it is provided that the first variable characterises at least one of the following quality properties: residual stress in the initial workpiece or difference between an actual angle and a target angle between two edges on the machined workpiece or difference between an actual curvature and a target curvature of an edge of the machined workpiece, whereby in the case of a panel dividing saw this can be determined for example by a measuring system for curvature detection on the machined workpiece; difference between an actual length and a target length on the initial workpiece or on the machined workpiece, whereby in the case of a panel dividing saw this can be determined for example by a measuring system in a machine table, in an angle ruler or by a global image capture device;Difference between an actual thickness and a target thickness on the starting workpiece or on the machined workpiece, whereby in the case of a panel dividing saw this can be determined for example by the movement path of a pressure beam or the clamping path of a collet; Flatness on the starting workpiece, whereby in the case of a panel dividing saw this can be determined for example by comparing a thickness measurement on a pressure beam with a thickness measurement on a collet; Density of the material of the starting workpiece, whereby this can be determined for example by a weight measurement in the area of ​​a feed of the starting workpiece or in the area of ​​a machine table or in the case of a panel dividing saw by detecting a fill on a narrow side or a cutting surface by means of a sensor system of a measuring system for curvature detection;Material structure on a narrow side of the machined or divided workpiece, in particular distribution of the bulk density;

[0022] (this can be detected, for example, by a laser sensor in the area of ​​an angle ruler); surface defects on the starting workpiece, where this can be detected, for example, by means of an image capture device or, in the case of a panel dividing saw, by means of a system for determining cutting quality; edge defects on the machined workpiece, where this can be detected, for example, in the case of a panel dividing saw, by means of an image capture device or a system for determining cutting quality. Difference between an actual dimension and a target dimension between two sides of a machined workpiece. Cutting quality of an edge or a narrow side. From this entire group, particularly preferred variables are those which enable conclusions to be drawn about residual stresses in a panel-shaped starting workpiece.This includes the difference between an actual angle and a target angle between two edges on the machined (split) workpiece or a curvature of an edge on the machined (split) workpiece.

[0023] In a further development, it is provided that the second variable characterizes at least one of the following information: identifier, for example designation of the starting workpiece or identification number or similar; manufacturer, for example name or manufacturer number or similar; batch; production plant; production line; production date; storage location; dimensions; quality, for example in the form of a target quality class (for example "premium", or similar); design, for plate-shaped workpieces, for example coated on one side, coated on both sides, type and / or material of the coating, color of the coating, etc.; packaging quantity; delivery date. These second variables allow the starting workpieces to be easily assigned to meaningful groups. From this group, particularly preferred are variables which allow conclusions to be drawn about the manufacturer or supplier or the batch.

[0024] If the second variable allows conclusions to be drawn about the manufacturer or supplier of the source workpiece, quality characteristics of the source workpieces from different manufacturers or suppliers can be compared. This in turn makes it possible, for example, to evaluate price differences in relation to the risk of dimensional and angular errors on the machined workpieces or any additional processing costs, e.g., due to stress relief cuts. Based on such an evaluation, cost optimization in the production and procurement process can then possibly be achieved.

[0025] Overall, the historical evaluation made possible by the invention can quantify the quality of the output workpieces. This data can then be used to make objective decisions, for example regarding supplier selection. In addition, this data can be used to complain to the supplier about excessive quality fluctuations or as an argument in price negotiations. The documentation and database of the quality of the output workpieces can also be used to support the root cause analysis of quality problems or complaints in subsequent machining processes in order to identify and eliminate the causes of errors in the long term. For example, the quality characteristics determined on the machined workpieces could be used to optimize the machining parameters not only depending on the material, but also depending on the supplier.Cost optimization can also be achieved in the overall process, for example if a more expensive raw material allows for fewer or faster processing processes.

[0026] In a further development, the method further comprises: d. automatically providing at least a third variable which characterises a machining operation carried out on the initial workpiece; e. automatically creating and storing a data set which links the first variable, in particular insofar as it characterises a quality characteristic of a machined workpiece produced from the initial workpiece by the machining operation, the second variable and the third variable. In this way, the database is expanded so that relationships between quality characteristics of the machined workpiece (first variable), the third variable (i.e. process parameters) and the identified initial workpiece (second variable) can be recognised.

[0027] In a further development, it is planned that the first variable is automatically evaluated and an action is triggered depending on the result of the evaluation. This can reduce or even completely avoid the production of defective parts. For example, in a panel dividing saw, when a critical batch is detected, stress relief cuts can be included in the cutting plan optimization if necessary in order to counteract negative effects on the divided workpieces. In a further development of this, it is planned that the action includes a return of the initial workpiece before processing and the feeding of another initial workpiece. This is particularly easy to implement. For example, in a

[0028] When dimensional tolerances on the initial workpiece are exceeded, the panel dividing saw can be used in conjunction with the cutting plan data to determine whether, based on the actual size of the initial workpiece and the existing cuts in a cutting plan, all workpiece edges can actually be machined or all workpieces can be produced, or whether a different initial workpiece must be used for this cutting plan because the current initial workpiece falls below or exceeds a tolerance limit.

[0029] In a further development of this, it is provided that the action comprises an adjustment of a fourth variable which characterises a machining operation to be carried out on the initial workpiece. This in turn makes it possible to improve the quality of the machined workpiece for certain initial workpieces by proactively adjusting a process parameter accordingly. For example, in the case of a panel dividing saw, based on the size of the edge breakouts (first variable) in relation to the current initial workpiece (second variable) and taking into account the current tool condition (third variable), fluctuations in the bulk quality or the silicate content for certain initial workpieces can be compensated for proactively and as needed by adjusting the process parameters such as the feed rate or by changing the tool earlier.

[0030] In a further development, it is provided that the third variable and / or the fourth variable characterizes at least one of the following information: tool condition; feed rate; inherent speed of the tool; tool projection; contact pressure of a workpiece clamping device; machining sequence; ambient conditions. Particularly preferred from this group are those variables that characterize the operation of the tool, i.e., in the case of a panel dividing saw, the feed rate and rotational speed of a saw blade.

[0031] In a further development, it is provided that the first variable, insofar as it characterises a quality characteristic of the starting workpiece, is used to draw conclusions about a possible or probable quality characteristic of a machined workpiece resulting from a planned machining operation on the starting workpiece. This can be achieved, for example, by an empirical relationship which links a quality characteristic of the starting workpiece with a quality characteristic of the machined workpiece resulting from this starting workpiece. In this way, a possibly even relatively accurate forecast of the quality characteristics of the machined workpieces produced from a specific starting material can be given. The empirical relationship therefore reflects the empirical influence of the quality characteristic of the starting workpiece on the expected quality of the machined workpieces.These relationships can be used for overall process optimization, for example with regard to selecting the supplier of the output workpiece, selecting the specific output workpiece, setting process parameters and ultimately for cost optimization.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an overall system with a workpiece processing system;

[0034] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a first method for operating the workpiece machining system of Figure 1; and

[0035] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a second method for operating the workpiece machining system of Figure 1.

[0036] An entire system for machining workpieces is designated overall by the reference numeral 10 in Figure 1. In the present case, it comprises, by way of example, a workpiece machining system in the form of a panel dividing saw 12. Large-format panel-shaped starting workpieces 14 are transported to this from a panel storage area 16 by means of a transport device 18. The transport device 18 can be a gantry robot, for example. This can typically be equipped with a suction gripper device which can engage the upper side of a panel-shaped starting workpiece 14 and in this way lift it from the stack and transport it. The large-format panel-shaped starting workpieces 14 in a panel dividing saw 12 are typically made from a wood material, for example as chipboard. They can be provided with a coating on one side or both sides.

[0037] The panel dividing saw 12 typically comprises a feed table 20, a machine table 22, and a removal table 24 consisting of a plurality of segments. A portal-like program slide 26 with a plurality of collets 28 is used to move an initial workpiece 14 lying on the feed table 20. The collets 28 can be used to grip an initial workpiece 14 lying on the feed table 20 at a rear edge, as seen in a feed direction 30.

[0038] The machine table 22 is typically designed as an air cushion table with a saw slot running transversely to the feed direction 30, which is not visible in the present case because it is covered by a pressure bar 32 which clamps an initial workpiece 14 between itself and the machine table 22 during processing by a saw 34 which can be moved longitudinally to the saw slot. An elongated angle ruler 36 is arranged to the side of the feed table 20, the machine table 22 and the removal table 24 and is arranged exactly orthogonal to the saw line or to the direction of movement of the saw 34.

[0039] As mentioned above, the overall system 10 includes, in this example, a panel storage 16 in which stacks 38a, 38b, and 38c of starting workpieces 14 are stored. For processing in the panel dividing saw 12, the transport device 18 automatically picks up one starting workpiece 14 at a time from the panel storage 16 and transports it mechanically to the feed table 20 of the panel dividing saw 12.

[0040] The output workpieces 14 from different suppliers 40a, 40b, and 40c arrive in the plate storage 16. In this example, the supplier 40b has two different production plants 42a and 42b.

[0041] The plate processing system 10 also includes a control and regulating device 44, which in turn includes, among other things, a memory 46 and a processor 48. It is understood that this is only an example, and typical control and regulating devices have multiple memories and multiple processors.

[0042] Furthermore, the control and regulating device 44 includes an HMI 50, which may, for example, comprise a touchscreen or the like.

[0043] The overall system 10 shown in Figure 1 has a plurality of sensor devices with which certain variables can be directly detected or indirectly determined or provided at different locations and at different times, and which communicate directly or indirectly with the control and regulating device 44. The sensor devices are indicated in Figure 1 by dashed circles and provided with the reference numerals 52-64. It is understood that the sensor devices 52-64 can consist of a single sensor or can comprise a plurality of individual sensors, and the sensor devices 52-64 can also have their own computing devices and other electronic components with which the detected or determined signals can be processed before they are communicated to the control and regulating device 44.

[0044] Upon delivery of the stacks 38a-c and their storage in the panel storage area 16, the sensor device 52 detects a plurality of so-called “second variables” which identify the delivered output workpieces 14. Said second variables can be transmitted in advance as a data set by the respective supplier 40a-c. In this case, the sensor device 52 would be more of a data interface. Typically, however, an output workpiece 14 within a stack 38a-c is provided with a data carrier which contains said second variables as machine-readable information, for example in the form of a barcode or a QR code. In this case, the sensor device 52 could therefore be a barcode reader or a camera for detecting the barcode or the QR code.Furthermore, an outgoing workpiece or a stack of outgoing workpieces can be identified during storage and entered into the system automatically or manually. During typical material tracking in the panel processing system, the respective outgoing workpieces or stacks of outgoing workpieces can then be identified again.

[0045] The second variables assigned to an output workpiece 14 can, for example, characterize the following information: Identifier, for example, designation of the output workpiece or identification number or similar; Manufacturer, for example, name or manufacturer number or similar; Batch; Production plant (in this case, this plays a role for the supplier 40b and its production plants 42a-b); Production line; Production date; Storage location; Dimensions; Quality, for example in the form of a target quality class (for example, "premium", or similar); Design, for plate-shaped workpieces, for example, coated on one side, coated on both sides, type and / or material of the coating, color of the coating, etc.; Packaging quantity; Delivery date. Particularly preferred are those second variables which allow conclusions to be drawn about the manufacturer or supplier or about the batch.

[0046] Also located in the area of ​​the plate storage 16 is the sensor device 54, which measures certain environmental parameters that occur during the storage of the

[0047] The data collected are recorded and stored in the plate storage 16. These environmental parameters may include, for example, air pressure, air temperature, humidity, and the date of the year or time of year.

[0048] The sensor device 56 is arranged in the area of ​​the transport device 18. With it, the weight of the starting workpiece 14 transported by the transport device 18 from the panel storage 16 to the feed table 20 can be determined. This allows the material density of the starting workpiece 14 to be determined and the actual material density to be compared with a target material density. In this way, the control and regulating device 44 can automatically determine, as a so-called "first variable," a variable that characterizes a quality property—in this case, for example, the deviation of the actual material density from the target material density—of the starting workpiece 14.

[0049] The sensor device 58 is arranged in the area of ​​the program slide 26 and the collets 28. This detects the opening width of the collets 28 when they grip a rear edge of the starting workpiece 14. In this way, an actual thickness of the starting workpiece 14 can be determined, and this can in turn be compared with a target thickness. In this way, the control and regulating device 44 can also automatically determine, as a further so-called “first variable”, a variable that characterizes a quality property - in this case, for example, the deviation of a target thickness from an actual thickness - of the starting workpiece 14. Furthermore, the actual thicknesses at the rear edge of the starting workpiece 14 determined by means of the collets 28 or the sensor device 58 can also be used to detect any irregularity in the actual thickness orA flatness in the transverse direction can be determined, for example in the form of a standard deviation from a mean value of the actual thickness. This would then also be a quality characteristic of the starting workpiece 14, automatically determined by the control and regulating device 44 as a further "first variable."

[0050] The sensor device 60 is arranged in the area of ​​the feed table 20 and / or the angle ruler 36. The sensor device 60 can, for example, have an image capture device in the form of a camera that views the output workpiece 14 lying on the feed table 20 from above. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 60 can further comprise an image capture device in the form of a camera in the area of ​​the angle ruler 36 and / or distance sensors integrated into the angle ruler. With the sensor device 60, further forms of second variables can be detected or determined, for example an actual length of an edge of the output workpiece 14 or a curvature of an edge of the output workpiece 14. A comparison of the actual length with a target length automatically by the control and regulating device enables the provision of a further "first variable" or a quality characteristic (length deviation) of the output workpiece 14.Likewise, defects in the plate surface, for example a coating present there, can be detected by the aforementioned image capture devices and automatically evaluated by the control and regulation device 44 and provided as a "first variable" or quality characteristic of the initial workpiece 14.

[0051] However, distance sensors of the sensor device 60 arranged in the angle ruler 36 can also be used to determine initial sizes or quality properties on a workpiece that has been cut off from the starting workpiece 14 by a sawing process using the saw 34 and thus machined. These include edge defects on the cut edge and a curvature of an edge of the machined workpiece, as well as a cutting quality of a narrow side or a material quality of a narrow side. Such a curvature can arise after the sawing process due to residual stresses previously present in the starting workpiece 14. The curvature is thus an indication or even a measure of such residual stresses.Furthermore, by means of the sensor device 60, a difference between an actual angle and a desired angle between two edges on the machined workpiece can be determined automatically, which can also be an indication or even a measure of the residual stresses just mentioned.

[0052] The additional sensor device 62 is arranged in the region of the pressure beam 32 and determines the distance of the lower edge of the pressure beam 32 from the machine table 22 when the workpiece is clamped between the machine table 22 and the pressure beam 32. This also allows the (average) thickness of the initial workpiece 14 to be determined, and this can be compared with the average thickness determined by means of the collets 28. From this, a first value can be deduced from the flatness of the initial workpiece 14 in its longitudinal direction (parallel to the feed direction 30).

[0053] Finally, the sensor device 64 is arranged in the region of the removal table 24. The sensor device 64 can in turn comprise, for example, an image capture device which is arranged above the removal table 24 and views a severed or machined workpiece lying on the removal table 24. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 64 can comprise a lateral image capture device which is present, for example, in the region of the angle ruler 36 present there, as well as, for example, distance sensors which are integrated into the angle ruler 36 in the region of the removal table 24. The sensor device 64 primarily determines those first variables or quality properties which relate to a machined or, in the present case, severed workpiece resulting from the initial workpiece 14.These include the edge defects, surface defects, curvatures of edges and angular deviations between edges, etc. mentioned above.

[0054] The control and regulation device 44 is programmed for a specific sawing process with specific process parameters, i.e., so-called "third variables" that characterize the machining process performed on the initial workpiece, in this case the sawing process by the saw 34. These specific process parameters can include, for example, a tool state, a feed rate, an inherent speed of the tool, a tool projection, a contact pressure of the pressure beam 32, a machining sequence (e.g., a cutting plan) and

[0055] Ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, are included. These specific process parameters are therefore known to the control and regulation device 44.

[0056] The control and regulating device 44 is designed, among other things, to carry out a method according to Figure 2:

[0057] After a start function block 66, in a function block 68, as mentioned above, first variables characterizing a quality property of the initial workpiece 14, as well as first variables characterizing a quality property of the machined workpiece resulting from the initial workpiece 14, are automatically determined or provided for a specific initial workpiece 14. For this purpose, the information obtained primarily by means of the sensor devices 54-64 is used.

[0058] Furthermore, in a functional block 70, as also mentioned above, second variables are automatically provided, which identify the starting workpiece 14 and which do not belong to the first variables. These second variables are provided primarily with the aid of the information obtained from the sensor device 52.

[0059] Furthermore, as also mentioned above, third variables are automatically provided in a function block 72 which characterize the sawing process carried out on the initial workpiece 14.

[0060] In a function block 74, the first variables, the second variables, and the third variables are linked to form a data set for the specific starting workpiece 14. The data set created in this way is then stored in a function block 76, for example, in the memory 46 of the control and regulating device 44. The method ends in a function block 78.

[0061] This is repeated for additional initial workpieces 14, thus creating a database with the generated data sets, from which, for example, a relationship can be derived between the supplier (second variable) and the quality characteristic of the machined workpiece (first variable) for very specific process parameters (third variables). This can be used for a method that will now be explained with reference to Figure 3 and which, moreover, can also be carried out independently of the method shown in Figure 2.

[0062] After the start (function block 80) a

[0063] Function block 82 automatically evaluates the first variable by the control and regulation device 44. For example, it can be checked whether the quality properties of the intended starting workpiece 14 actually allow the intended cutting process (cutting plan) to be carried out completely. Depending on the result of the evaluation, an action can be triggered in a function block 84. This action can, for example, include returning the intended starting workpiece 14 back to the panel storage 16 and feeding in another alternative starting workpiece 14.

[0064] Furthermore, the action may involve selecting other process parameters ("fourth variables"), such as a different feed rate, or prematurely changing the intended tool. If a critical batch is detected, stress relief cuts may also be included in the cutting plan to counteract residual stresses present in this batch. The process ends in a function block 86.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a workpiece processing system, in particular a panel dividing saw (12), which method at least comprises: a. automatically providing, in particular determining by means of at least one sensor device (52-64), at least one first variable which characterizes a quality property of an initial workpiece (14) or of a machined workpiece resulting from the initial workpiece (14), characterized in that it further comprises: b. automatically providing a second variable which identifies the initial workpiece (14) and which is not the first variable, c. automatically creating and storing a data set which links the first variable to the second variable.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first variable characterizes at least one of the following quality properties: residual stress in the starting workpiece (14); difference between an actual angle and a desired angle between two edges on the machined workpiece; difference between an actual length and a desired length on the starting workpiece (14) or on the machined workpiece; difference between an actual thickness and a target thickness on the starting workpiece (14) or on the machined workpiece; flatness on the starting workpiece (14); density of the material of the starting workpiece (14); material structure on a narrow side on the machined or divided workpiece, in particular distribution of a bulk density; surface defects on the starting workpiece (14); edge defects on the machined workpiece; difference between an actual dimension and a target dimension between two sides on a machined workpiece; cutting quality of an edge or a narrow side.

3. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second variable characterizes at least one of the following information: identifier; manufacturer; batch; production plant; production line; production date; storage location; dimensions; quality; design; packaging quantity; delivery date.

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: d. automatically providing at least one third variable which characterizes a machining operation carried out on the starting workpiece (14); e. automatic creation and saving of a Data set which links the first variable, in particular insofar as it characterises a quality property of a machined workpiece resulting from the initial workpiece by the machining process, the second variable and the third variable.

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first variable is automatically evaluated and an action is triggered depending on the result of the evaluation.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the action comprises a return of the starting workpiece (14) before machining and the feeding of another starting workpiece (14).

7. Method according to at least one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the action comprises an adaptation of a fourth variable which characterizes a machining operation to be carried out on the initial workpiece (14).

8. Method according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that the third variable and / or the fourth variable characterizes at least one of the following information: tool condition; feed rate; inherent speed of the tool (34); tool projection; contact pressure of a Workpiece pressing device (32); processing sequence; ambient condition.

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the first variable, insofar as it characterizes a quality property of the starting workpiece (14), a conclusion is drawn about a quality property of a machined workpiece resulting from the starting workpiece (14).

10. Control and / or regulating device (44) comprising at least one memory (46) and at least one processor (48), characterized in that it is designed to control and / or regulate a method according to at least one of the preceding claims.

11. Workpiece processing system (12), in particular a panel dividing saw, characterized in that it comprises a control and / or regulating device (44) according to claim 10.

12. Storage (16) for starting workpieces (14), in particular plate storage for large-format plate-shaped starting workpieces (14), characterized in that it is designed for connection to a workpiece processing system, in particular a plate dividing saw (12), according to claim 11.

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