Smart-nc

Project co-financed by the POR FESR Toscana 2014-2020

The aim of the project is to improve the precision and repeatability of the machining of machine tools used in the automotive, aeronautical and construction sectors.

The solutions typically used to control the precision of machining, aim to improve the constructive design of the machine. Unfortunately, these solutions are very expensive and require significant levels of maintenance. On the contrary, the project aims to achieve the objective with the improvement of the machine control system. This approach reduces construction and maintenance costs, and allows their application on existing machinery.

The causes affecting accuracy are not all known. In fact, the real response of the mechanics and of the piece to the stresses imparted by the Numerical Control (CNC) requires the insertion of new sensors and data collection systems synchronous with the stimulus of the CNC; only recently have there been technologies suitable for this purpose.

This project proposes to develop a data collection system capable of correlating the CNC stimulus with the effect on machining. Data collection involves the addition of further measurement sensors.

The data analysis must lead to actions of the CNC that allow an improvement of the machining accuracy.

The project proposes to use Automation components from different suppliers; moreover, it does not limit the type of machine tools on which to intervene.

At the moment the Automation market does not offer a solution with the indicated characteristics.

The hardware and software architecture of the ISAC CNC represents an excellent starting point to reach the goal. Furthermore, in a working group, he has the necessary skills for development.

The project includes:

• The identification of sensors that allow to measure the mechanical response to stresses during processing;
• The creation of a data collection system that allows to correlate the requested stimulus, the action actually produced, and the result obtained on the piece;
• The creation of a data processing system aimed at obtaining the changes to the technological parameters to be applied to the machining to improve its accuracy.

The objectives and methods of the project are in line with the national Industry 4.0 directive.

With the support of