Energy-saving strategy and method of spindle deceleration during no-load operation of machine tools for energy lean management

Abstract

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools undergo periods of no-load motion, such as tool feeding, tool withdrawing, and tool changing, during workpiece processing. These intervals result in energy wastage as the machine tools remain idle without performing cutting operations. To address this issue, we propose a novel energy-saving strategy and method involving spindle deceleration during the no-load operation of machine tools for energy lean management. Specifically, we conducted three tasks: (1) analyzed the energy consumption characteristics of the CNC machine tool during no-load operation; (2) established a theoretical decision-making model for the energy-saving method of spindle deceleration; (3) discussed the energy-saving critical time for energy savings and the energy-saving effect of the deceleration strategy for the machine tool spindle through three machining cases. Furthermore, we conducted a case study using the CK6153i lathe to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. The results demonstrated significant energy savings of 1826.65 J, 2948.85 J, and 7650.05 J, along with reductions in energy waste of 14.99 %, 20.43 %, and 53.01 %, respectively, in the three machining cases through the implementation of the spindle deceleration strategy. We believe that the outcomes of this research can better assist engineers in the energy lean management of machine tools.