OPC UA-based Force Control for Deep Rolling with Mechanical Tools

Abstract

Deep rolling can increase the service life of components under cyclic loads. This is achieved by plastic deformation of the component surface using a roller. The degree of plastic deformation depends on the rolling force. For a maximum increase in service life, the rolling force applied to the roller must stay within defined limits. When performing deep rolling using mechanical deep rolling tools, the rolling force is applied via an elastic element such as a leaf spring. The deep rolling force therefore depends on the deflection of leaf spring. It varies when the workpiece bends or has a varying diameter. These variations in the deep rolling force are not desired. They must be reduced to achieve optimum process results. To achieve this, a novel deep rolling force control for mechanical deep rolling was introduced in this paper. To control the rolling force, the force was measured with a sensory tool and machine tool axes were adjusted accordingly. The adjustment of the axes was implemented using the OPC UA standard. It is shown that this can reduce the force error during mechanical deep rolling by 90%. This ensures a constant process result and improves the mechanical deep rolling process.