Modular CNC Design for Intelligent Machining, Part 2: Modular Integration of Sensor Based Milling Process Monitoring and Control Tasks

Modular integration of sensor based milling process monitoring and control functions to a proposed CNC system architecture is presented. Each sensor based process control algorithm resides in a dedicated processor in the AT bus with a modular software. The CNC system’s motion control module has been designed to accomodate rapid manipulation of feeds, cutting conditions and NC tool path which may be demanded by machining process control modules in real time. Modular integration of adaptive control of cutting forces, tool condition monitoring, chatter detection and suppression tasks are illustrated as examples. The process control and monitoring modules are serviced in the real-time multi-tasking environment within one millisecond time intervals without disturbing the position control system. The paper present constraints and guidelines in designing CNC systems which allow modular integration of user developed real time machining process control and monitoring applications.