Function- and principle-hybrid interfaces for quickly reconfiguring small modular machine tools to be utilized by a collective of users

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Jens P. Wulfsberg
• Subject Area: Metal-Cutting and Abrasive Manufacturing Engineering
• Term: from 2010 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 172571421

The objective of the second funding period of this project is the quick (re)configuration and start-up of a modular machine tool system through multifunctional and principle-hybrid interfaces. The yet prototypically developed interface system shall be optimized based on a scientific and methodical analysis of differing time-dependent requirements and requirements based on the various modules to be coupled. Also, the interface system shall be adapted and functionally enhanced according to identified application scenarios. Functional enhancements are an integrated material transmission, the implementation of Poka Yoka principles and IT abilities, e.g. the storage of module-relevant data, which is processed for a quick start-up or transmitted to the overall control. Subsequently, all functions of the interfaces will be validated under laboratory and real-life conditions as well as individually and in module configurations. The acquired findings serve not only to improve the interfaces' functional features, but also to increase performance of the configured machine tool by e.g. saving the determined systematic positioning error. Adequate sensor technology will provide operational safety and reliability of the interfaces. This way, (re)configuration and manufacturing trials can be conducted at the end of the funding period. These methodically developed function- and principle-hybrid interfaces shall be finally integrated into machine tool modules so they are considered being part of a module.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1476: Small Machine Tools for Small Work Pieces