AI software for CNC machine tool monitoring
27/04/2021
Switzerland-based NUM has launched artificial intelligence (AI) software that provides computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool users with condition monitoring capabilities.Compatible with all of NUM’s latest-generation Flexium+ CNC systems, the NUMai software package is a complete, fully integrated solution for CNC machine tools; it does not require any additional sensors and runs on the same industrial PC as the human-machine interface (HMI) of the CNC system, according to its maker.
NUMai software can be utilised as soon as a machine tool has been commissioned and is ready to start production, or on a machine that is already being employed for production purposes. The software initially acquires all pertinent operating data over a period of time (typically a number of hours) while the machine is being used for normal production tasks. Ideally, per NUM, a diversity of part programs is run, involving a variety of different machining conditions, in order to ensure that the data is as comprehensive and reliable as possible.
The collected data is used to teach a neural network so that any deviation from the ‘good’ machine behaviour and performance can then be detected and predicted; a suitable PC program for subsequent online performance monitoring and diagnostic purposes is generated automatically.
NUMai condition monitoring software capitalises on the inherent flexibility of NUM’s latest-generation Flexium+ CNC platform. As standard, every Flexium+ CNC system includes a PC that can handle data from the servo drives’ measurement points, a programmable logic controller (PLC) that has direct access to machine parameters and an NCK oscilloscope feature capable of reading values in real time. All system communications are handled by FXServer, using fast real-time Ethernet (RTE) networking, according to NUM.
During everyday use in the production environment, NUMai software runs in the background on the industrial PC that forms part of the machine tool’s CNC system, continuously monitoring and evaluating the performance of the machine. Any discrepancy or deviation beyond user-defined thresholds is notified to the PLC, which decides what action should be taken – from a simple advisory message to an emergency disengagement.
The new NUMai condition monitoring software option can be installed and used on any Flexium+ CNC system running NUM’s Flexium software version 4.1.10.10 or higher.
