This paper presents a feedback neurocontrol scheme that uses an inverse turning process model to synthesize optimal process inputs. The inverse process neurocontroller is implemented in a multilayer feedforward neural network. On-line adjustments of feed rate and cutting speed parameters are carried out based on a cost/quality performance index, estimated from force and vibration sensor measurements. Both non-adaptive and adaptive neurocontrol schemes are considered. The simulations and experimental investigations presented herein demonstrated the effectiveness of neural networks for controlling and optimizing turning operations. Applied to single point turning of a typical finishing cut, the final dimensions and surface finishes were found to be better by 40 and 80 percent respectively, while productivity was increased by 40 percent over the conditions proposed in machining data handbooks. This approach is also applicable to several other manufacturing processes.

1.
Koren, Y., 1983, Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems, McGraw-Hill, New-York.
2.
Masory
O.
, and
Koren
Y.
,
1985
, “
Stability Analysis of a Constant Force Adaptive Control System for Turning
,”
ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY
, Vol.
107
, pp.
295
300
.
3.
Centner
R. M.
, and
Idelsohn
J. M.
,
1964
, “
Adaptive Controller for a Metal Cutting Process
,”
IEEE Transaction on Application and Industry
, Vol.
83
, No.
72
, pp.
154
161
.
4.
Watanabe, T., 1983, “A Model-Based Approach to Adaptive Control Optimization in Milling,” ASME Proceeding of the Symposium on Control of Manufacturing Process and Robotic Systems.
5.
Abulnaga
A. M.
, and
El-Dardiry
M. A.
,
1984
, “
Optimization Methods for Metal Cutting
,”
Int. J. Mach. Tool Des. Res.
, Vol.
24
, No.
1
, pp.
1
18
.
6.
Cook, N. H., Basile, S. A., Subramanian, K., and Grace Jr., W. H., 1976, Tool Wear Sensors—Final Report, MIT.
7.
Kim, K., 1988, “Improving Contour Accuracy of NC/CNC Machine Tools Using Real-Time Cutting Force Measurments,” Recent Developments in Production Research, A. Mial, ed., Elsevier Science Publishers B. V., Amsterdam, pp. 428–535.
8.
Rumelhart, D. E., Hinton, G. E., and Williams, R. J., 1988, “Learning Internal Representations by Error Propagation,” Parallel Distributed Processing: Explorations in the Microstructures of Cognition, Vol. 1, D. E. Rumelhart et J. McClelland, eds., Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, pp. 318–362.
9.
Chryssolouris
G.
, and
Guillot
M.
,
1990
, “
A Comparison of Statistical and AI Approaches to the Selection of Process Parameters in Intelligent Machining
,”
ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY
, Vol.
112
, pp.
122
131
.
10.
Werbos, P. J., 1989, “Backpropagation and Neurocontrol: A Review and Prospectus,” Pub. by IEEE Service Center (cat N 89CH2765-6), Piscataway, NJ, pp. 209–216.
11.
Thibault, J., and Grandjean, B. P. A., 1991, “Neural Networks in Process Control—A Survey,” IFAC Inter. Symp. ADCHEM-91, Toulouse, France, 14–16 Oct, pp. 295–304.
12.
Guillot, M., Azouzi, R., and Coˆte´, M. C., 1994, “Process Monitoring and Control,” Chapter 13, Artificial Neural Networks for Intelligent Manufacturing, Chapman & Hall.
13.
Matsushima, K., and Sata, T., 1980, “Development of Intelligent Machine Tool,” J. Faculty Eng. Univ. Tokyo, Vol. 35, No. 3.
14.
Rangwala
S. S.
, and
Dornfeld
D. A.
,
1989
, “
Learning and Optimization of Machining Operations Using Computing Abilities of Neural Networks
,”
IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics
, Vol.
19
, No.
2
, March/April, pp.
299
314
.
15.
Psaltis
D.
,
Sideris
A.
, and
Yamarura
A. A.
,
1988
, “
A Multilayer Neural Network Controller
,”
IEEE Control Systems Magazine
, Vol.
8
, No.
2
, pp.
17
21
.
16.
Dickinson
G. R.
,
1967–68
, “
Survey of Factors Affecting Surface Finish
,”
Proc. Instn. Mech. Engrs.
, Vol.
182
, pp.
135
147
.
17.
Rangwala, S., and Dornfeld, D. A., 1987, “Integration of Sensors Via Neural Networks for Detection of Tool Wear States,” Proceedings of the Winter Annual Meeting of the ASME, PED 25, pp. 109–120.
18.
Taguchi, G., Elsayed, E. A., and Husiang, T., 1986, Quality Engineering: Products & Design Optimization, McGraw-Hill, Yuin WU and Willie Hobbs Moore, American Supplier Institute Inc.
This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.