Approaches of Self-optimising Systems in Manufacturing

Abstract

Within the Cluster of Excellence “Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries” one major focus is the research and development of self-optimising systems for manufacturing processes. Self-optimising systems with their ability to analyse data, to model processes and to take decisions offer an approach to master processes without explicit control functions. After a brief introduction, two approaches of self-optimising strategies are presented. The first example demonstrates the autonomous generation of technology models for a milling operation. Process knowledge is a key factor in manufacturing and is also an integral part of the self-optimisation approach. In this context, process knowledge in a machine readable format is required in order to provide the self-optimising manufacturing systems a basis for decision making and optimisation strategies. The second example shows a model based self-optimised injection moulding manufacturing system. To compensate process fluctuations and guarantee a constant part quality the manufactured products, the self-optimising approach uses a model, which describes the pvT-behaviour and controls the injection process by a determination of the process optimised trajectory of temperature and pressure in the mould.