Abstract
Precision and ultra-precision surfaces are crucial for many products – quality optics, joint & cranial implants, turbine blades, and industrial moulds & dies, to name a few. Automation in this context is distinct from standard procedures in industry, where the identical sequence of operations can be repeated over and over again. Ultraprecision tolerances may be tens to hundreds of times tighter, and this is compounded by the hundreds of diverse substrate materials in use. Even with modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, skilled craftspeople are needed to plan a process-chain for a new material or geometry. Processes working at these tight tolerances, fall short of being fully-deterministic, so repeated process-metrology iterations are required. Surface-correction loops may be automated, but expert assessment should be performed at each step to check for unexpected anomalies. The ultimate goal of importing a part, processing autonomously, and delivering a finished part to an “optical” specification with no human intervention, is still a long way off. This paper describes the challenge and why it is important. It then melds together process-monitoring, psychology, artificial intelligence and robotics, to take a far-sighted view of how the ultimate goal can be realised.
Highlights
Components with tolerances in the micron-regime are routinely mass-produced, from raw metal to finished part, on fully-automated production lines
We have considered whether it would be feasible to capture this type of know-how in a way that could be used in an automated Cell as part of a model-based approach introduced in “The method of case based reasoning applied to autonomous manufacturing” section
The method of case based reasoning applied to autonomous manufacturing In the current stage of our research, we are focused on Case-based reasoning (CBR) to be used to automate the polishing process
Summary
Components with tolerances in the micron-regime are routinely mass-produced, from raw metal to finished part, on fully-automated production lines. This paper considers why this is not the case for ultra-precision surfaces, including and especially optics, and what new methodologies could be applied to remedy this. The global market for photonics products for 2015 was €447B, with growth of 6% [1], and the medical imaging market alone was US$989 M by 2015, growth 12% [2]. New large-scale applications of freeform optics are on the horizon, such as advanced lighting and imaging systems for autonomous vehicles. Optical components do not represent the only application for complex, precise surfaces. The knee and hip joint replacement market is likely to face a revolution, with bespoke additively-manufactured implants which need precision finishing.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
