A smart machine supervisory system framework

Machine tools and machining systems have gone through significant improvements in the past several decades. Recent advance in information technology made it possible to collect and analyze a large amount of data in real time. This brings about the concept of a smart machine tool, enabled by process monitoring and control technologies, to produce the first and all subsequent parts correctly. This paper presents a system framework for a smart machine supervisory system. The supervisory system integrates individual technologies and makes overall intelligent decisions to improve machining performance. The communication mechanism of the supervisory system is discussed in detail. Its decision-making mechanism is illustrated through an example that integrates process planning, health maintenance, and tool condition monitoring.