JP7777498B2 - Cutting Processing System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cutting system that sets cutting information for a processing device that cuts metal materials, and in particular to a cutting system that presents cutting information that can reduce power consumption.

Processing equipment used in cutting metal materials, such as NC processing equipment (machine tools such as machining centers and turning centers), generally comes equipped with spindle temperature regulators, cutting oil supply devices, and air supply devices as auxiliary equipment.

In order to ensure machining accuracy and stable operation of the processing equipment, the ancillary equipment must be kept running at all times. Incidentally, the amount of power consumed during standby is mainly due to the operation of the ancillary equipment and processing equipment control devices (servo amplifiers, etc.) that are always running. On the other hand, the amount of power consumed per unit time during cutting operations on processing equipment that processes metal materials (hereinafter referred to as workpieces) is even greater than the amount of power consumed during standby.

In this way, an increase in power consumption will result in an increase in _CO2 emissions from the power plant. For this reason, a processing device that can reduce power consumption is desired. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-82894 (Patent Document 1) proposes a processing condition adjustment device having the following configuration.

Patent Document 1 introduces a machine learning device that constructs a learning model that takes into account power consumption and cycle time based on status data such as the machining conditions and cycle time for each tool used in machining on the manufacturing machine.The machining condition adjustment device uses the learning model, which is the learning result of the machine learning device, to adjust the machining conditions based on status data obtained from the manufacturing machine, and is configured to evaluate the adjustment of the machining conditions using the power consumption and cycle time resulting from executing machining operations based on the adjusted machining conditions as judgment data.

JP 2019-82894 A

As in Patent Document 1, it is effective to set processing conditions with low power consumption to match manufacturing machines with long cycle times and reduce the overall power consumption of multiple manufacturing machines. However, because the method in Patent Document 1 is a technology for optimizing the current operating status, it does not take into consideration further reducing power consumption and _CO2 emissions. Against this background, there is a demand to reduce the power consumption of this type of processing equipment as much as possible and thereby reduce CO2 emissions.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cutting system that can reduce power consumption by appropriately setting cutting processing information in the processing device, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

In the present invention,
A cutting processing system for setting cutting processing information in a processing device that performs cutting processing on a workpiece,
a power measurement unit for measuring the power of the processing device and auxiliary equipment of the processing device;
a measurement data processing unit that calculates the amount of power consumption based on the power data measured by the power measurement unit;
a database that associates and registers information about a workpiece, information about a cutting tool, information about processing conditions, and power consumption of the processing device whose power consumption has been measured;
an input unit for inputting tool information, machining condition information, and workpiece information of a cutting tool to be evaluated (hereinafter referred to as an evaluation cutting tool);
an evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit that extracts, from the database, power consumption under conditions that match the input tool information, machining condition information, and workpiece information of the evaluation cutting tool;
a candidate power consumption calculation unit that extracts candidates that match material information of the workpiece registered in the database based on workpiece information of the workpiece to be cut by the evaluation cutting tool, calculates candidate power consumption amounts from the power consumption per unit volume corresponding to the extracted candidates and machining shape information of the workpiece of the extracted candidates, and selects multiple candidate power consumption amounts in order of candidate power consumption amounts that are smaller than the power consumption amount extracted by the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit;
The device is characterized by being equipped with a display device that displays the power consumption extracted by the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit, the tool information and machining condition information linked thereto, and the candidate power consumption selected by the candidate power consumption calculation unit, the tool information and machining condition information linked thereto.

According to the present invention, recommended cutting processing information that consumes less power for the cutting tool currently in use is presented, and by changing the cutting processing information based on the presented recommended cutting processing information, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the processing device as much as possible, and ultimately reduce CO2 emissions.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining the configuration of a cutting processing system. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining the detailed configuration of the cutting processing system. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow for constructing a database. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of registration information regarding workpieces and cutting tools registered in a database. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of registered information regarding processing conditions and power consumption amounts registered in a database. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow for calculating the amount of power consumption related to the cutting tool to be evaluated and for calculating the amount of power consumption using a database. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for explaining input buttons for cutting processing information and operation buttons on the display device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first calculation result of the amount of power consumption of the evaluated cutting tool and the amount of power consumption in cutting processing information registered in the database. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a measurement result of power consumption based on selected cutting processing information. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second calculation result of the amount of power consumption of the evaluated cutting tool and the amount of power consumption in the cutting processing information registered in the database.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment focuses on a processing device that performs cutting processing on workpieces. In all drawings used to explain the embodiment, parts with the same functions will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will generally be omitted.

However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the specific configuration can be modified without departing from the spirit or intent of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a cutting system that sets cutting information for a processing device first builds a database by linking power consumption, workpiece information, tool information, and machining condition information, then extracts from the database power consumption that matches the input workpiece information, tool information, and machining condition information, and then extracts candidates that match the workpiece information registered in the database based on the workpiece information. The system then calculates the candidate power consumption for the extracted candidate using the power consumption per unit volume of the extracted candidate and the workpiece information of the extracted candidate, and displays the power consumption extracted from the database, multiple recommended candidate power consumptions that are less than this power consumption, and the tool information and machining condition information linked to them.

By changing the cutting processing information based on the recommended cutting processing information, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by the processing equipment as much as possible, which ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, by displaying the power consumption amounts extracted from the database together with the associated tool information and processing condition information, it is easy to compare them with the suggested power consumption amounts.

[Outline of cutting system including processing device]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic and exemplary configuration of a cutting system according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example in which a cutting system 20 is combined with a processing device 1, and the cutting system in Fig. 1 shows an example in which a block-shaped workpiece 4 is cut with a cutting tool 2. Here, the processing device 1 is an NC (Numerical Control) milling machine, machining center, or the like that can be controlled by an NC program.

In the processing device 1, the cutting tool 2 is fixed to the spindle 3, the spindle 3 is rotated by the spindle motor 6, and the workpiece 4 is fixed to the table 5. The cutting tool 2 and the workpiece 4 are moved relative to each other to process the workpiece 4 into the desired shape.

At this time, the servo amplifier 8 controls the current value input to the spindle motor 6 based on commands from the NC device 9, which stores the NC program. This causes the spindle motor 6 to rotate at the commanded rotation speed. Similarly, the servo amplifier 8 controls the current value input to the feed axis motor 7 based on commands from the NC device 9. This causes the feed axis motor 7 to rotate at the commanded feed speed. The cutting tool 2 is a one-piece (solid) or replaceable-tip end mill, etc.

The processing device 1 is equipped with a cutting oil supply device 10, a temperature adjustment device 11, and an air supply device 12 as auxiliary equipment. The cutting oil supply device 10 and the temperature adjustment device 11 are supplied with power via the processing device 1, and the air supply device 12 is supplied with power from a switchboard 13.

The cutting oil supply device 10 is a device that discharges cutting oil (not shown) onto the cutting tool 2 and the cutting area of the workpiece 4 during cutting, cooling the cutting tool 2 and removing chips. The temperature adjustment device 11 is a device that adjusts (mainly cools) the temperature of the spindle 3. The air supply device 12 is a device that detaches the cutting tool 2 from the spindle 3 and blows air to remove chips.

The cutting system 20 includes a measurement unit 21, a cutting system main body 22, a display device 23, and a database 24. The measurement unit 21 is composed of a power meter and other components, and measures power by installing a clamp current sensor 14 on the power supply cable and connecting a voltage measurement cable (not shown) to the switchboard.

Clamp current sensor 14a measures the combined power consumption of the processing device 1, cutting oil supply device 10, and temperature adjustment device 11, while clamp current sensor 14b measures the power consumption of the air supply device 12. Although clamp current sensor 14a measures the combined power consumption of the processing device 1, cutting oil supply device 10, and temperature adjustment device 11, by comparing the measurement data with the operating status of the processing device 1, cutting oil supply device 10, and temperature adjustment device 11, it is possible to link the measurement data for each device.

The cutting system main body 22 links the power consumption measured by the measurement unit 21 with the workpiece material information, tool information, and processing condition information (such as rotation speed and feed rate, as specifically shown in Figure 5) at that time and registers it in the database 24. By repeating this process, the database 24 can be built and expanded. This registered workpiece material information, tool information, and processing condition information is treated as "cutting processing information."

This database 24 can then be used to calculate the amount of power consumed. First, by inputting at least workpiece information, including the material and machining shape of the workpiece, tool information, and machining condition information, the amount of power consumed that matches the input information (cutting processing information) is extracted from the data registered in database 24.

Next, based on the input workpiece information, candidates that match the material information of the input workpiece registered in the database are extracted, and the power consumption per unit volume of the extracted candidates and the processed shape information of the input workpiece are used to determine the candidate power consumption for the extracted candidates, and multiple candidate power consumptions and the cutting processing information linked to them (recommended cutting processing information) are selected in order of smallest candidate power consumption.

Then, the above-mentioned candidate power consumption amounts and the associated cutting processing information are presented as screen information on the display unit 23. From this presented cutting processing information, appropriate cutting processing information that can reduce power consumption is selected and set, and the processing device executes the cutting process accordingly. This reduces power consumption and ultimately CO2 emissions.

[Detailed Description of Cutting Processing System]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the cutting system shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic and exemplary manner.

The cutting processing system main body 22 can be configured on a general-purpose computer. Its hardware configuration includes a calculation unit 31 configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 32 configured with a ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) using flash memory, an information input unit 48 configured with input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and a communication unit 33 configured with a NIC (Network Interface Card), input/output interface devices, etc.

The communication unit 33 is connected to the measurement unit 21, database 24, and display device 23 via a wired or wireless network, or via individual dedicated cables or USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables. The database 24 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD, and the display device 23 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display.

The calculation unit 31 has a measurement data processing unit 44, a data linking processing unit 45, an evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit 46, and a power consumption calculation unit 47. The calculation unit 31 realizes each functional unit by loading the power measurement program 39, power consumption calculation program 40, workpiece/cutting tool/machining condition/power consumption linking program 41, evaluation tool power consumption extraction program 42, and improved machining condition power consumption calculation program 43, which are stored in the memory unit 32, into RAM and executing them with the CPU.

The measurement data processing unit 44 functions by executing the power measurement program 39, the data linkage processing unit 45 functions by executing the workpiece/cutting tool/machining condition/power consumption linkage program 41, the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit 46 functions by executing the evaluation tool power consumption extraction program 42, and the power consumption calculation unit 47 functions by executing the power consumption calculation program 40 and the improved machining condition power consumption calculation program 43.

The memory unit 32 includes a workpiece information memory area 34, a tool information memory area 35, a machining condition information memory area 36, a measurement signal memory area 37, and a calculated power consumption memory area 38. It also includes memory areas for storing the following programs: a power measurement program 39, a power consumption calculation program 40, a workpiece/cutting tool/machining condition/power consumption linkage program 41, an evaluation tool power consumption extraction program 42, and an improved machining condition power consumption calculation program 43.

[Database Description]
Next, construction of the database 24 in which workpiece information, tool information, machining condition information, and power consumption are linked will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. Figs. 1 and 2 will also be referenced as necessary.

This database 24 is constructed by operating the operation buttons 141, 142, 143, and 145 displayed in the operation area 104 on the screen of the display device 23 shown in Figure 7 according to the operation procedure.

<Step S01>
In step S01, the processing device 1 processes the workpiece 4 using the cutting tool 2 registered in the database 24, and the power consumed during the cutting process is measured. The amount of power consumed is measured by the measurement unit 21, and the measurement data processing unit 44, which executes the power measurement program 39, stores the measurement data from the start to the end of processing the workpiece 4 in the measurement signal storage area 37 via the communication unit 33. The measured amount of power consumed is measurement data including the processing device 1 and the ancillary equipment 10 to 12.

<Step S02>
In step S02, the amount of power consumption when using the cutting tool 2 registered in the database 24 is calculated. The amount of power consumption is calculated by the power consumption calculation unit 47 executing the power consumption calculation program 40, by multiplying the average value of power data measured from the start to the end of cutting the workpiece by the time required for cutting. The power consumption per unit volume (see FIG. 5) is calculated from the volume of the workpiece removed by cutting, and this is stored in the calculated power consumption storage area 38 together with the processing time.

Note that the power consumption per unit volume reflects the tool information and machining condition information at the time the power consumption is calculated, and if the tool information and machining condition information differ, the power consumption per unit volume will also differ. Therefore, when calculating the candidate power consumption described below, if this power consumption per unit volume is used, it is possible to calculate a candidate power consumption that indirectly reflects the tool information and machining condition information.

Note that the amount of power consumption is calculated by integrating the power data over time from the start to the end of processing, and the amount of power consumption calculated by multiplying the total power data by the sampling period can also be used.

<Step S03>
In step S03, information about the workpiece when the power consumption was measured in step S02 is input. At least the material of the workpiece, its machining shape, and the removed volume (see FIG. 4) are input as workpiece information in the information input unit 48, and these are stored in the workpiece information storage area 34. The removed volume is calculated from the machining shape (W, D, H). "W" is the width, "D" is the depth, and "H" is the height. The removed volume may be input directly or calculated from the machining shape.

<Step S04>
In step S04, tool information of the cutting tool when the power was measured is input. At least the tool type, tool material, structure, tip, tool diameter, and number of teeth (see FIG. 4) are input as tool information via the information input unit 48 and stored in the tool information storage area 35.

<Step S05>
In step S05, the machining condition information at the time of measuring the power is input. At least the rotation speed, feed rate, cutting rate, feed rate per blade, depth of cut (radial and axial directions), and whether or not cutting oil is used (see FIG. 5 ) are input as the machining condition information via the information input unit 48 and stored in the machining condition storage area 36.

<Step S06>
In step S06, the data linking processing unit 45 uses the workpiece/tool/processing condition/power consumption linking program 41 to link the calculated power consumption and processing time with the input workpiece information, tool information, and processing condition information, and registers them in the database 24.

In addition to the workpieces to be machined by the target machining equipment, the cutting tools used, and the machining conditions, the database 24 can also measure and register the power consumption of different types of cutting tools and machining conditions.

Different types of cutting tools include, for example, indexable cutting tools with square inserts and round inserts, as well as cutting tools made from different insert materials such as carbide and ceramics, and these are registered in database 24. There are also various machining conditions, such as whether or not cutting oil is used, and these are also registered in database 24.

Therefore, it is possible to register various workpiece materials, cutting tools, processing conditions, power consumption, etc. in the database. Using this registered information, it is possible to present appropriate cutting tools and processing conditions that consume minimal power.

Figures 4 and 5 show examples of database registration information, divided into two parts: Figures 4 and 5.

The database 160 consists of workpiece information 161, tool information 162, machining condition information 163, machining time 164, power consumption 165, and power consumption per unit volume (power consumption/unit volume) 166.

The volume 167 of the workpiece information 161 is the volume of the workpiece material to be removed by cutting, calculated from the shape information when it was registered in the database 24. Furthermore, the cutting speed 168 and feed per tooth 169 of the machining conditions 163 were calculated from the tool diameter, number of teeth, rotation speed, and feed rate when it was registered in the database 24.

In addition, machining time 164 is the machining time when power consumption 165 was measured. Power consumption/unit volume 166 is the power consumption per unit volume obtained by dividing power consumption 165 by the volume 167 removed from workpiece 161. As can be seen from registration numbers #2 to #4 in Figures 4 and 5, this power consumption per unit volume varies depending on the tool and machining conditions, even for the same removed volume.

[Explanation of specific process for presenting cutting processing information]
Next, the process of executing a cutting process using a cutting tool to be evaluated for use in cutting (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation tool) and presenting recommended cutting conditions will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6. Figures 1 and 2 will also be referenced as necessary. The specific process of presenting this cutting information is executed by operating the evaluation/improvement button 146 displayed in the operation area 104 on the screen of the display device 23 shown in Figure 7.

Step S11 to Step S13
In step S11, workpiece material information of the workpiece to be cut by the evaluation tool is input, in step S12, tool information of the evaluation tool is input, and in step S13, machining condition information of the evaluation tool is input. The various types of information to be input are the same as those in steps S03, S04, and S05 shown in FIG. 3.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the tool information of the evaluation tool, the machining condition information of the evaluation tool, and the workpiece information input in steps S11 to S13 are used to search the database 24 for cutting processing information (already registered) that matches this cutting processing information, and the corresponding cutting processing information found (cutting processing information is tool information, machining condition information, and workpiece information) and the power consumption amount linked to it are extracted.

The evaluation tool is a cutting tool used in the cutting process of an actual product and has already been registered in database 24, so cutting processing information and power consumption corresponding to the evaluation tool can be extracted.

<Step S15>
In step S15, candidates registered in the database 24 are extracted based on the material of the workpiece information input in step S11 (here, the material (SUS304) shown in FIG. 7). The candidates extracted here are those that match the material information of the workpiece, and multiple candidates are extracted. Then, the candidate power consumption, which is the power consumption of each of the extracted candidates, is calculated.

The candidate power consumption amount is a recommended power consumption amount for reducing power consumption. Of course, not all candidates have recommended power consumption amounts, and some candidates have power consumption amounts greater than the amount determined in step S14.

The candidate power consumption amount is obtained by multiplying the power consumption amount per unit volume (power consumption amount/unit volume) registered in database 24 for the extracted candidate by the volume removed by cutting the input workpiece material. The volume removed may be calculated based on the machining shape or may be input directly.

Then, for all extracted candidates, the candidate power consumption is calculated on a per-unit basis using the power consumption per unit volume (power consumption/unit volume) of the extracted candidates. As mentioned above, the power consumption per unit volume reflects the tool information and machining condition information when the power consumption to be registered in the database is calculated. Therefore, when calculating the candidate power consumption, if the power consumption per unit volume linked to the tool information and machining thread information is used, a candidate power consumption that indirectly reflects the tool information and machining condition information can be calculated.

Another method for determining the candidate power consumption amount is to calculate the machining time from the axial cutting depth and radial cutting depth of the machining conditions registered in database 24, as well as the feed rate and the machining shape of the workpiece, and then calculate the candidate power consumption amount based on the ratio of the machining time with the registered power consumption amount to the calculated machining time.

<Step S16>
In step S16, among the candidate power consumption amounts calculated in step S15 for the plurality of workpieces of the same material, a plurality of candidates corresponding to the same workpiece are selected and extracted in order of power consumption amount less than the power consumption amount calculated in step S14. Note that the number of candidates to be extracted is arbitrary, and it is possible to set the required number of candidates. In this embodiment, three candidates (#1 to #3 in FIG. 8) are extracted.

<Step S17>
In step S17, the power consumption and cutting processing information of the evaluation tool extracted in step S14, the candidate power consumption of the multiple candidates extracted in step S16, and the cutting processing information linked to them are presented (displayed) on the display device 23.

Then, by changing the cutting processing information with reference to the presented recommended cutting processing information, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the processing device as much as possible, and as a result, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions. Note that if there is no candidate power consumption amount less than the power consumption amount extracted in step S14, the tool information and processing condition information extracted in step S14 will be recommended.
The information displayed on the display device 23 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 10. Figures 8 and 10 show examples in which tool information and machining condition information are displayed from among the cutting processing information.

[Explanation of operation screen]
Next, a description will be given of the operation screen displayed on the display device 23 of the cutting system 20. Note that this operation screen is an example, and other operation screens may also be used.

Figure 7 shows the operation screen (GUI/Graphical User Interface) of the display device 23 in the cutting processing system 20 shown in Figure 1. This screen is used to input workpiece information, tool information, and processing condition information, and to operate the cutting processing system 20.

The operation screen 101 consists of a workpiece information input area 102, a tool information/machining condition information input area 103, and an operation area 104.

In the workpiece information input area 102, workpiece information is entered in the material input section 111 and machining shape input sections 112a to 112c.

In the tool specification/machining condition input area 103, tool information is entered in the tool type input section 121, tool material input section 122, tool structure input section 123, tip input section 124, tool diameter input section 125, and tool number of cutting edges input section 126. Here, the tool type input section 121, tool material input section 122, tool structure input section 123, and tip input section 124 are configured to be selected using a pull-down menu.

In addition, in the tool information and machining condition input area 103, machining conditions are entered in the rotation speed input section 127, feed rate input section 128, diameter cutting depth input section 129, axial cutting depth input section 130, and cutting oil use/non-use input section 131. Whether or not cutting oil is used is selected using a pull-down menu.

In the operation area 104, pressing the measurement start button 141 executes the power measurement program 39 and starts power measurement, and pressing the measurement stop button 142 stops power measurement, and the measured power data is stored in the measurement signal memory area 37.

In addition, by pressing the power consumption calculation button 143, the power consumption calculation program 40 is executed, the power consumption is calculated, and displayed in the power consumption display section 144. In addition, by pressing the database registration button 145, the workpiece/cutting tool/cutting condition/power consumption linking program 41 is executed, and the input workpiece information, tool information, cutting condition information, and calculated power consumption are registered in the database 24.

Pressing the Evaluate/Improve button 146 executes the program 41 for extracting the power consumption of the evaluation tool and the program 42 for calculating the power consumption of the improved machining conditions. The program extracts the power consumption of the evaluation tool that corresponds to the input workpiece information, tool information, and machining condition information. Furthermore, based on the input workpiece material information, the program extracts the tool information and machining condition information registered in the database, and calculates a candidate power consumption amount from the volume removed from the workpiece and the power consumption amount per unit volume. Finally, multiple candidate power consumption amounts and the corresponding tool information and machining condition information are displayed.

Figure 8 shows an example of a display screen 150 that displays the power consumption of the evaluation tool, the candidate power consumption, and the cutting processing information linked to these in the database 24. This display screen 150 is switched from the operation screen shown in Figure 7. At least the power consumption calculation result 151 is displayed on the display screen 150.

The power consumption calculation result 151 is the result of extracting tool information and machining condition information registered in the database based on the input workpiece material and machining shape, calculating candidate power consumption from the volume removed from the workpiece and the power consumption per unit volume, and then selecting the three candidates with the lowest power consumption in order. To facilitate comparison, the tool information, machining condition information, and power consumption when the evaluation tool was used are also displayed.

As shown in Figure 8, this information is displayed in a table format, with (1) tool information, (2) cutting condition information, (3) power consumption, and (4) ratio to the evaluated tool set horizontally, and (1) cutting processing information for the evaluated tool and (2) multiple extracted recommended cutting processing information set vertically.

In Figure 8, "#0" indicates the tool information, machining condition information, power consumption 152, and ratio 153 to the evaluated tool for the evaluated tool, while "#1" to "#3" indicate the tool information, machining condition information, candidate power consumption 152, and ratio 153 to the evaluated tool extracted to reduce power consumption. The ratio 153 to the evaluated tool is calculated based on the power consumption 152 of the evaluated tool.

In the examples ("#1" to "#3") shown in Fig. 8, candidate power consumption amounts that are lower than the evaluation tool ("#0"), along with the corresponding tool information and machining condition information, are presented. By referring to the tool information and machining condition information displayed here and changing the tool information and machining condition information for the current cutting process, it is possible to implement a cutting process with lower power consumption and reduce _CO2 emissions.

In Figure 8, the candidate power consumption is small for ceramic tool "#1," but ceramic tools are difficult to recycle. On the other hand, in the other examples "#2" and "#3," the cutting tools are cemented carbide tools. Since there is a well-established recycling environment for cemented carbide tools, from the perspective of resource circulation, cemented carbide tools have a smaller environmental impact than ceramic tools.

In order to display this information, in addition to power consumption, tool information, and machining condition information, screen 150 can also display tool material recycling (resource circulation) information 154 as information for determining environmental impact. Furthermore, if recycling technology evolves in the future, the content of tool material recycling (resource circulation) information 154 can be changed.

Figure 9 shows an example of the measurement results of the amount of power consumed when removing the same volume from the workpiece by cutting using different tools.

Fig. 9 shows the results of cutting a removal volume of 20 ^cm3 using four types of cutting tools (see "Tool Information" in #1, #2, #3, and #4) in the database 24 shown in Figs. 4 and 5. #1, #2, #3, and #4 in Fig. 9 correspond to the cutting tools in the database 24 in Figs. 4 and 5. Note that #1, #2, #3, and #4 will hereinafter be referred to as "Tool #1,""Tool#2,""Tool#3," and "Tool #4."

Figure 9 shows the power consumption of the spindle motor and feed axis motor, which are directly involved in cutting processing, separately from the power consumption of other ancillary equipment and control devices for the processing equipment (hereinafter referred to as the power consumption of ancillary equipment).

In Figure 9, tool #1 consumes more power. This is because tool #1 has a smaller tool diameter and a smaller radial depth of cut, which results in a longer machining time than the other tools, and as a result, the power consumption of the ancillary equipment also increases. Also, tool #3 consumes less power than tool #2 because tool #3 has a larger tool diameter and a larger radial depth of cut than tool #2, which results in a shorter machining time and as a result, the power consumption of the ancillary equipment also decreases.

Furthermore, the reason why tool #4 consumes less power than tool #3 is that tool #3 is made of carbide, while tool #4 is made of ceramic, and dry machining is performed without using cutting oil, so the coolant pump, which is an ancillary piece of equipment, is not running.

In addition, when comparing the power consumption of the spindle and feed axis motors, tool #4 consumes more power than tool #2 and tool #3. This is because tool #4's rotation speed is about 10 times higher than tool #2 and tool #3, resulting in greater power consumption by the spindle motor.

However, tool #4 consumes less power than the other tools due to the shorter machining time and the significant reduction in power consumption achieved by not operating the coolant pump during dry machining, despite the increased power consumption of the spindle and feed axis motors.

Therefore, in order to reduce the power consumption of the evaluation tool, shortening the machining time and not using cutting oil and not operating the coolant pump are effective ways to reduce power consumption. Note that while an example of whether or not coolant is used is shown here, controlling the operation of the coolant pump so that the required coolant discharge volume (discharge pressure) is adjusted and supplied for each tool (for example, discharge volume: high, medium, low) is also effective in reducing power consumption.

In this way, the cutting system of this embodiment can present tool information and cutting condition information that consumes less power for the tool currently in use. Furthermore, since cutting condition information that consumes less power is presented for each cutting tool, by setting the cutting condition information based on that information, it is possible to execute a cutting process that consumes less power.

Furthermore, because machining conditions with low power consumption shorten machining time, applying them to the entire cutting process results in a cutting process with a short total machining time. This makes it possible to produce the same quantity in a shorter time (short period), and by linking it with production plans, it is possible to increase the downtime of the processing equipment, further reducing power consumption and _CO2 emissions.

Figure 10 shows an example of another display screen 160 that displays the power consumption of the evaluation tool, cutting processing information registered in the database, and the extraction results of candidate power consumption.

The display screen 160 is composed of the power consumption calculation result 161. The example shown in Figure 10 adds a recyclability evaluation value 163 and an evaluation index 164 to the example shown in Figure 8.

The recyclability evaluation value 163 indicates the recyclability of the tool material, with cemented carbide, which has good recyclability, having a low evaluation value, and ceramics, which are difficult to recycle, having a high evaluation value. Furthermore, the evaluation index 164 is the product of the power consumption 162 and the recyclability 163, and is an index that combines the power consumption and recyclability.

In the power consumption calculation results 161, the tools are displayed in ascending order of evaluation index 164, starting with #1. The ratio 165 to the evaluation tool is based on the evaluation index of the evaluation tool. Tool #3 has the smallest power consumption 162, but because the tool is made of ceramics, which makes recycling difficult, it has a high recyclability evaluation value and a higher evaluation index 164 than tools #1 and #2. Note that the recyclability evaluation value may change in the future if recycling technology evolves.

In addition, the recyclability evaluation value 163 is registered in the database 24 based on the tool material, and when the power consumption calculation program 43 for improved processing conditions is executed to calculate the power consumption, the evaluation index 164 is calculated using the recyclability evaluation value 163.

In this way, the cutting system can present cutting conditions for the tools in use using an evaluation index that considers the amount of power consumed and the environmental impact of the cutting tool, taking into account its recyclability. Because cutting conditions with a low environmental impact are presented for each cutting tool, by referring to these conditions, it is possible to carry out cutting processes that consume less power and take resource recycling into consideration.

Note that the tool information, workpiece information, and machining condition information for the evaluation tool were entered, and matching conditions were searched for in database 24 to extract the power consumption amount, but the evaluation tool may also be specified by the number registered in database 24.

An example was also given in which actual machining was performed using the registered cutting tool on the target machining equipment, the amount of power consumed was measured, and the tool information used, workpiece information, machining conditions, and power consumption were linked and registered in a database.

On the other hand, if the power consumption of the target processing device can be estimated (converted) from power consumption measurement data obtained when a processing device other than the target processing device 1 is used to process the same workpiece with the same tools and processing conditions, the power consumption measurement data measured by the other processing device can be registered in the database to create a database.

In addition, if the power consumption of the target processing equipment can be estimated through simulation, the power consumption obtained through the simulation can be registered in the database.

The present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. The above embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to the configuration of each embodiment.

1... Machining device, 2... Cutting tool, 3... Spindle, 4... Workpiece, 5... Table, 6... Spindle motor, 7... Feed axis motor, 8... Servo amplifier, 9... NC device, 10... Cutting oil supply device, 11... Temperature adjustment device, 12... Air supply device, 13... Distribution board, 14... Clamp current sensor, 20... Cutting processing system, 21... Measurement unit, 22... Cutting processing system main body, 23... Display unit, 24... Database, 31... Calculation unit, 32... Memory unit, 33... Communication unit, 34... Workpiece information storage area, 35... Tool information storage area, 36... Machining condition information storage area, 37... Measurement signal storage area, 38... Calculated power consumption storage area, 3 9...power measurement program, 40...power consumption calculation program, 41...workpiece/cutting condition/power consumption linking program, 42...evaluation tool power consumption extraction program, 43...power consumption calculation program for improved cutting conditions, 44...estimated data processing unit, 45...data linking processing unit, 46...evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit, 47...power consumption calculation unit, 48...input unit, 101...operation screen, 102...workpiece information input area, 103...tool information/cutting condition input area, 104...operation area, 150...display screen for displaying power consumption calculation results, 160...another display screen for displaying power consumption calculation results.

Claims (9)

A cutting processing system for setting cutting processing information in a processing device that performs cutting processing on a workpiece,
a power measurement unit that measures the power of the processing device and auxiliary equipment of the processing device;
a measurement data processing unit that calculates the amount of power consumption based on the power data measured by the power measurement unit;
a database in which workpiece information of the workpiece, tool information of the cutting tool, machining condition information, and the amount of power consumption of the machining device for which the amount of power consumption has been measured are linked and registered;
an input unit for inputting the tool information of the cutting tool to be evaluated (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation cutting tool), the machining condition information, and the workpiece information;
an evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit that extracts, from the database, the power consumption under conditions that match the input tool information of the evaluation cutting tool, the machining condition information, and the workpiece information;
a candidate power consumption calculation unit that extracts candidates that match the workpiece information registered in the database based on the workpiece information of the workpiece to be cut by the evaluation cutting tool, calculates candidate power consumption amounts from the power consumption per unit volume corresponding to the extracted candidates and the workpiece information of the extracted candidates, and selects a plurality of candidate power consumption amounts in order of the candidate power consumption amount that is smaller than the power consumption amount extracted by the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit;
a display device that displays the power consumption extracted by the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit, the tool information and the machining condition information linked thereto, and a plurality of the candidate power consumptions selected by the candidate power consumption calculation unit, and the tool information and the machining condition information linked thereto. The cutting system according to claim 1,
The candidate power consumption amount in the candidate power consumption amount calculation unit is
A cutting processing system characterized in that the power consumption per unit volume of the candidate extracted from the database is calculated by multiplying the volume removed by cutting from the workpiece material cut by the evaluation cutting tool. The cutting system according to claim 1,
A cutting processing system characterized in that the database measures the amount of power consumption using not only the cutting tool used in the target processing device, but also other different types of cutting tools, and links and registers the tool information, processing condition information, workpiece information, and the amount of power consumption. The cutting system according to claim 1,
The cutting system is characterized in that the tool information includes tool material, tool type, tool diameter, and number of blades. The cutting system according to claim 1,
The cutting system is characterized in that the processing condition information includes the rotation speed, feed rate, radial cutting depth, axial cutting depth, and whether or not cutting oil is used. The cutting system according to claim 1,
A cutting system characterized in that the workpiece information includes the material of the workpiece, a machining shape, and a volume removed by cutting. The cutting system according to claim 1,
The display screen of the display device has at least
an information input unit for the workpiece information, the tool information, and the machining condition information;
a measurement input unit that instructs the start and stop of the measurement of the power consumption amount;
a calculation instruction unit that executes a process for calculating the power consumption amount;
a power display unit that displays the calculated power consumption amount;
a registration instruction unit that registers the input workpiece information, the tool information, and the machining condition information, and the calculated power consumption amount, in the database;
A cutting processing system characterized by comprising the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit and an evaluation/improvement processing instruction unit that instructs the execution of processing by the candidate power consumption calculation unit. The cutting system according to claim 1,
The display screen of the display device has at least
A cutting processing system characterized in that the power consumption extracted by the evaluation tool power consumption extraction unit, the tool information and the machining condition information linked thereto, and the multiple candidate power consumptions calculated by the candidate power consumption calculation unit, the tool information and the machining condition information linked thereto are displayed in a tabular format. The cutting system according to claim 8,
a cutting processing system characterized in that the display screen of the display device additionally displays an evaluation value relating to the amount of power consumption and the recyclability of the material of the cutting tool, as well as an evaluation index item obtained by multiplying this by the amount of power consumption.