Some advanced control strategies for modern machine tools

Several adaptive control strategies are developed for metal cutting machine tools. A Self Tuning Controller is applied to the problem of cutting force regulation in milling. The performance characteristics of the controller are examined using real-time control experiments and the results are shown to be quite satisfactory. Geometric adaptive control strategies are next developed for both turning and milling processes. The control objective is to maintain the geometric accuracy of the workpiece in the presence of significant workpiece-tool deflections and random disturbances. It is shown, using computer simulations, that the proposed control systems result in significant improvement in geometric accuracy of the workpiece in contouring over conventional NC controllers.