Energy-Efficient Machining via Energy Data Integration

Abstract

Abstract. Energy-efficient machining strategies are required to be implemented in daily practice to advance the competitiveness of the enterprises on global scale. Energy information, which currently not considered as an integral part of production data, is studied. A need is identified to integrate energy information into production program and solidify the knowledge for extensive reference. To effectively represent and share the data, standardized format is regarded as one promising approach, thus STEP-NC is adopted. The proposed data models are grouped into four, i.e. automated energy monitoring and recording, energy estimation and labeling, energy optimization, and machine tool energy performance. The developed schema is compliant and harmonized with other parts in STEP-NC standards. A case study is presented to add energy information to STEP-NC file. It can be concluded that standardized data format enables the integration of energy information into the production process and enhances its sustainable performance. Keywords:Energy efficiency, STEP-NC, Data integration, CNC Machining. IntroductionThe world is well-connected and better-informed nowadays than ever before. It is also true to manufacturing domain. New requirements of modern manufacturing industry are placed, such as sustainable performance, minimum supply chain management cost, and optimal product lifecycle performance. Energy-efficient machining system is focused in this study, as it is the key area in metalworking industry for the future. To keep energy efficiently used, energy information from machining process shall be available to assist process planning or lifecycle analysis [1]. A series of simulationbased analysis and decision making systems are developed, focusing on energy usage and performance on product lifecycle level [2]. However, the ways to actually improve the daily practice in factories is still lacking. The separated parties along the production chain desire to seamlessly share energy knowledge and data in a systematic manner. Data representation and exchange activities demand to be universal and consistent. This also contributes to significant savings on supply chain management cost, which is considered as the top priority of the enterprises for the next decade. With the rapid development in CAx, data communication problem exists between different activities, known as "Island of Automation".