NC Machine Tool Operating Interface for Automated Process Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling numerically controlled machine tools lack comprehensive operability and automation in workpiece machining and other machine functions, limiting their efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An operating device equipped with a data processing unit that executes control and operating applications, communicates with the machine tool's control unit, and includes a user interface for input and output, allowing for the execution of processing step sequences that encompass various machining operations, including tool setup, NC code loading, and quality inspection, with network connectivity for additional data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a basic NC control device is used, then the machine tool can perform basic machining functions, but the operability and automation for comprehensive machining processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a basic NC control device and an extended operating device. The extended operating device handles complex functions such as workpiece management, tool management, quality inspection coordination, and process documentation, while the basic NC control device continues to handle fundamental machining operations. This segmentation allows automation of comprehensive processes without overwhelming the core control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended operating device serves multiple functions including coordinating automated workpiece handling, managing tool setups, overseeing quality inspections, and documenting processes. By consolidating these diverse automation functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves comprehensive automation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional integration at the extension layer.
2Productivity
If manual operation procedures are used for each machining step, then the control system remains simple, but the productivity and efficiency of workpiece machining is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extended operating device prepares and coordinates all necessary elements before machining begins, including workpiece setup, tool selection and positioning, NC program loading, and quality inspection parameters. By performing these preliminary actions automatically, the system eliminates manual intervention during machining operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended operating device continuously monitors machining progress and coordinates real-time adjustments, tool changes, and quality checks. This feedback mechanism ensures that the machining process runs efficiently with minimal manual intervention, improving productivity while maintaining operational control through automated monitoring and adjustment coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extended control system is added to improve operability, then comprehensive machining functions are enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into a basic NC control device for fundamental operations and an extended operating device for comprehensive machining functions. This segmentation enables the system to offer versatile capabilities including automated workpiece handling, tool management, quality inspection coordination, and process documentation while keeping the core control logic simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended operating device acts as an intermediary layer between the operator and the basic NC control device. It translates high-level machining requirements into specific control commands, coordinating complex functions such as automated setups, tool changes, and quality inspections. This intermediary role enables comprehensive machining functions while shielding the operator from underlying system complexity.
4Extent of automation
If automated processing step sequences are implemented, then the extent of automation is improved, but the initial setup and programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended operating device pre-configures processing step sequences with all necessary instructions for automated workpiece handling, tool setups, NC program execution, and quality inspection procedures. By performing this preliminary programming and setup work in advance, the system enables high-level automation during production while reducing the complexity burden to a one-time setup process rather than ongoing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an operating device for use on a numerically controlled machine tool and, furthermore, in particular, to systems, devices, and methods for operating and controlling one or more numerically controlled machine tools in a manufacturing system. The operating device 230 comprises a data processing unit 231, which is configured in particular to execute control and operating applications, a control interface 235, 236, 237, via which the data processing unit can be communicatively connected to a control unit of the machine tool, and a user interface 233, which is configured to receive input information according to operating inputs from an operator of the machine tool and to transmit it to the data processing unit and/or to output information transmitted by the data processing unit to the operator.The data processing unit is designed to control a processing order for the processing of one or more workpieces on the machine tool based on a processing step sequence selectable by the operator via the user interface and to call up corresponding machine or control functions via the control interface on the control unit.