Intelligent precision flexible manufacturing system through artificial neural networks and fuzzy modeling

Online tool wear estimation plays a very critical role in industrial automation for higher productivity and product quality. In addition, appropriate and timely decision for tool change is required in machining systems. Thus, the paper describes the development of an estimation system through integration of two promising technologies, artificial neural networks (ANN) and fuzzy logic. The proposed system consists of five components: (1) data collection, (2) feature extraction, (3) pattern recognition, (4) multi-sensor integration, and (5) tool/work distance compensation. Physical experiments for a metal cutting process are implemented to evaluate the proposed system. The results showed that the proposed system can significantly increase the accuracy of the product profile.