Intelligent automation of design and manufacturing in machine tools using an open architecture motion controller

Several issues including accurate programming, proper tool selection, machining feeds and speeds selection, thermal error compensation, vibration monitoring, etc. contribute significantly to the performance and productivity of a machine tool in an industrial scenario. Only when all these are properly set and controlled it is possible to ensure consistent accuracy and productivity of the machine tool. Significant developments have been made in enhancing the capabilities of a commercial computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine to address this challenge. In this paper, an attempt is made to present the concept of Rapid-Computer Aided Manufacturing (Rapid-CAM) using intelligent automation of a machine tool in order to address the above scenario through a real-time open architecture motion controller as well as to illustrate some of the features that are being implemented in a 3-axis vertical machining centre (VMC). (c) 2012 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.