02.08.16
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is part of a UK-based collaboration that aims to develop novel sensing technologies for the real time monitoring of machined metal parts.
The two-year Innovate UK project titled Intelligent Tooling is developing embedded sensors and electronic components within high value machining applications in manufacturing sectors, including defense, space, rail, automotive, marine and energy.
The collaboration brings together end users and partners to integrate specialist leading research, technology and industrial scale manufacturing. The partners involved are CPI, BAE Systems, Element Six, The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Advanced Manufacturing Ltd, Printed Electronics Limited, The National Physical Laboratory and DMG Mori Seiki.
The sensing of critical process variables, such as temperature, force, acoustic emission and vibration, applied close to the cutting surface has the potential to create a step change in the capacity and productivity of machining systems. A reduction in cycle times, human intervention and process variation are all achievable through the introduction of embedded sensing.
The Intelligent Tooling project will seek to develop a prototype tooling insert with embedded sensing capability, designed to withstand and exceed the harsh environmental conditions that are present in metal machining. The project has the capacity to deliver increased productivity, capability and tool life, improved capability for product design and performance and reduced operator intervention.
“Printed sensing is an interesting area as the flexible nature of the technology allows for robust, lightweight sensors to be incorporated into curved structural designs and to be printed in bespoke configurations in high volumes and at low cost,” said Dr. Peter Tune, business manager at CPI, who is leading the project. “This project represents a tough challenge for printed sensing and the learning will be directly transferrable to other embedded sensor applications where there are similar challenges.”
The two-year Innovate UK project titled Intelligent Tooling is developing embedded sensors and electronic components within high value machining applications in manufacturing sectors, including defense, space, rail, automotive, marine and energy.
The collaboration brings together end users and partners to integrate specialist leading research, technology and industrial scale manufacturing. The partners involved are CPI, BAE Systems, Element Six, The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Advanced Manufacturing Ltd, Printed Electronics Limited, The National Physical Laboratory and DMG Mori Seiki.
The sensing of critical process variables, such as temperature, force, acoustic emission and vibration, applied close to the cutting surface has the potential to create a step change in the capacity and productivity of machining systems. A reduction in cycle times, human intervention and process variation are all achievable through the introduction of embedded sensing.
The Intelligent Tooling project will seek to develop a prototype tooling insert with embedded sensing capability, designed to withstand and exceed the harsh environmental conditions that are present in metal machining. The project has the capacity to deliver increased productivity, capability and tool life, improved capability for product design and performance and reduced operator intervention.
“Printed sensing is an interesting area as the flexible nature of the technology allows for robust, lightweight sensors to be incorporated into curved structural designs and to be printed in bespoke configurations in high volumes and at low cost,” said Dr. Peter Tune, business manager at CPI, who is leading the project. “This project represents a tough challenge for printed sensing and the learning will be directly transferrable to other embedded sensor applications where there are similar challenges.”