Low-Cost Precision Monitoring System of Machine Tools for SMEs

Abstract

Digital manufacturing technology promotes the application of digital information to manufacturing processes and machine tools. However, the high entry cost and complexity of existing offerings limit the wide application of digital manufacturing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For CNC machine tools, precision parameters can be acquired either by a visual inspection by the operator or by third-party connection software or hardware. To decrease human error, cost and time in data recording, this research proposes a machine tool data acquisition process for monitoring purposes using a novel monitoring system based on low-cost hardware (Arduino and low-cost camera) and open-source computation platforms (Node-RED). Remote data processing in a tablet is rendered possible by wireless data communication. Prototypes were tested with a HU40-T Five-axis machine tool. Tests show that the proposed system is capable of acquiring precision parameters such as the pitch error and backlash error of machine tools at a system cost of less than $200 CAD.