Machine Tool Magazine Control for Multitool Change Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools face inefficiencies in tool management due to frequent tool changes between tool magazines, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially when processing multiple workpieces that require different tools.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling machine tools that optimizes the use of multiple tools by determining the tools to be equipped in multitools based on a weighted sum criterion, minimizing tool transfers and preparations through mathematical optimization using mixed integer programming, allowing for efficient tool assignment and reduced tool changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tools are frequently changed between tool magazines to process different workpieces, then the machine tool can handle diverse machining requirements, but the operational efficiency decreases and downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse machining requirementsVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future workpiece machining requirements and proactively preparing the necessary tools in the tool magazine before they are actually needed. This advance preparation eliminates or reduces tool change downtime during actual machining operations, as tools are already in position when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts tool preparation strategies based on real-time machining state and predicted future requirements. The control device continuously updates tool predictions as workpieces are processed, adapting the tool magazine contents dynamically to match evolving machining needs, thereby optimizing operational efficiency throughout the production sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool magazine is equipped with tools for multiple different workpieces, then the capacity to handle varied machining tasks increases, but the time required for tool preparation and tool changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to handle varied machining tasksVSAvoidtool preparation and tool change time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary analysis of the workpiece sequence and predicts which tools will be needed in the future. Based on these predictions, it proactively loads the required tools into the tool magazine in advance, so that when a workpiece requires a specific tool, the tool is already available, eliminating tool change delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual model or prediction of future tool requirements based on the known workpiece sequence. This predictive copying of tool needs allows the control device to pre-arrange tool magazine contents to match future demands, avoiding the time loss associated with reactive tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If tools are optimized for current workpiece machining, then the machining precision and efficiency for current tasks improve, but the readiness for subsequent different workpieces decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining precision and efficiencyVSAvoidreadiness for subsequent workpieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While maintaining optimal tool configuration for current workpiece machining, the control device simultaneously performs preliminary preparation by predicting and loading tools needed for future workpieces into the tool magazine. This dual approach ensures current machining precision is maintained while future adaptability is enhanced through advance tool availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining optimal tools for current machining tasks while continuously updating the tool magazine with predicted future tool requirements. This continuous dual-function operation allows uninterrupted high-precision current machining while simultaneously preparing for future workpieces, eliminating idle time and maintaining both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3256921B1Machining system and method, control device and computer program product for controlling a machining system with a machine tool

Publication Date: 2021.01.20 SIEMENS AG

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool comprising a first and a second tool magazine, wherein a tool for machining a workpiece can be received from the first tool magazine and a tool from the second tool magazine can be transferred into the first tool magazine, and wherein one of the tools comprises a multiple tool that can be fitted with a plurality of tools prior to the machining. A method for controlling a machine tool comprises the steps of: detecting workpieces to be machined, determining the tools required for machining the detected workpieces and determining the tools, with which the multiple tool is to be fitted. In this case, the tools are determined in such a manner that the weighted sum 1 * LC + w * TP is minimized over all the workpieces to be machined, LC being the number of the tools which were transferred from the second tool magazine into the first tool magazine for machining the workpiece, TP being the number of the tools which are to be fitted for the machining of the workpiece in one of the tool magazines, l and w representing predetermined weighting factors.