From Open CNC systems to Cyber-Physical machine tools: a case study

Abstract

The aim of next-generation Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is shifting from an open architecture, which has better flexibility, adaptability, versatility and expansibility, to a cyber-physical model, which offers real-time monitoring and control of the machining processes. This paper introduces a real case study to demonstrate such tendency from Open CNC systems to Cyber-Physical Machine Tools (CPMT) based on a low-power embedded platform. Firstly, a new open CNC architecture is presented, which is able to achieve high-precision, high-efficiency, and low-power consumption. Secondly, the open CNC architecture is extended to a CPMT by using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), where WSN is utilized to enable monitor and control the machining processes, and the integrated development platform is termed as CPMT. Finally, a case of health monitoring system for CPMT is designed and its system testing is carried out