Application of Machine Learning in the Control of Metal Melting Production Process

Nedeljko Dučić,Srećko Manasijević,Žarko Ćojbašić,Radomir Radiša,Borislav Savković,Aleksandar Jovičić

doi:10.3390/app10176048

Abstract

This paper presents the application of machine learning in the control of the metal melting process. Metal melting is a dynamic production process characterized by nonlinear relations between process parameters. In this particular case, the subject of research is the production of white cast iron. Two supervised machine learning algorithms have been applied: the neural network and the support vector regression. The goal of their application is the prediction of the amount of alloying additives in order to obtain the desired chemical composition of white cast iron. The neural network model provided better results than the support vector regression model in the training and testing phases, which qualifies it to be used in the control of the white cast iron production.

Highlights

The casting process is an old manufacturing technology of which the fundamental principles have not changed to this day
The goal of this paper is to present the application of machine learning, as a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), in the control of the white cast iron production
Comparing the results obtained by the two types of supervised machine learning algorithms, it can be concluded that the neural network model has given a better response and an excellent result in the testing phase (Figures 11–14)

Summary

Introduction

The casting process is an old manufacturing technology of which the fundamental principles have not changed to this day. A special challenge today is the complete implementation of the idea brought by Industry 4.0 in the foundries. This idea is to build smart foundries, characterized by a centralized system that manages customer orders, supply chains and production activities. One of the segments of approaching the concept of the smart foundry is the application of artificial intelligence techniques in research, and development of production processes in foundries, as well as their implementation in regular production structures. Are provided the main results of the studies in which artificial intelligence techniques have been applied in the following technologies in foundries: the melting metal process, sand casting process, die casting process, continuous casting process and investment casting process.

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion