Closing the Loop on Automatic Boring

There are several factors coming together simultaneously to make closed-loop automated tooling adjustment systems possible. Data handling has improved with faster communication of the vast amounts of data being collected by machines, not humans. Better sensors and controllers also played a role, since they are now smaller, more compact and more efficient. The emergence of AI, or artificial intelligence, allows for machine learning from other machines and less reliance on people.

As far as human-machine interactions go, now workers can have the entire manufacturing floor simulated, re-routing flow to maintain productivity. This also means better transfer of data to the physical realm—think 3D printing for prototyping.

Automatic fine boring offers a plethora of benefits.

Automatic boring is not a completely new idea; it builds on already existing technology. For example, Big Kaiser offers an app through which the EWE boring head can communicate, helping operators manually adjust the tool more accurately and repeatedly. Other companies may offer similar apps. However, there is still potential for errors while entering information into the app, and a manual step is still required.

Why would one want to remove the manual adjustment step? There are several reasons to remove it: improve cycle times, reduce human error, increase operator safety, and make room for automated or unmanned operations. Ultimately, the goal is to implement automatically adjustable boring tools and push productivity forward.

As with the manual step, there are obstacles, as well as logistical questions, facing automatic cycling, starting with the obvious: how is it going to be possible? How much back and forth communication is necessary? How many components are needed? How limited is the adjustment range? Working with an experienced, reputable supplier can help answer these questions.

Some important factors to keep in mind when considering implementation of automatic boring:

• The best-case application condition would be high-volume precision bores with newer / high-end equipment. It doesn’t make up for equipment that isn’t well-maintained; to work properly, cleanliness and proper maintenance are still key with this technology.
• This technology does not replace operators that can’t be trusted to make corrections. Rather, it will require highly skilled people to handle issues.
• The technology also requires the use of good boring practices in order to give repeatable results.

 

Automatic fine boring offers a plethora of benefits. For one, fully automated machining cycles means no more pauses in machine cycle for manual adjustments, plus it makes unattended machining possible. The chance of human error is also reduced. Improved efficiency and mitigated cycle times are additional benefits. The automatic boring tool adjusts for potential wear based on machine measurements, and under-sized bores are also prevented.

Ultimately, the goal is to implement automatically adjustable boring tools and push productivity forward.

There are still a few manual steps needed for the automatic boring process, starting with setting the initial diameter of boring tool and changing of both tool configuration and cutting inserts. Next is loading the boring tool into the machining center, then multiple checks to ensure that the machine is working properly.

 

As automatic boring makes its way into the industry, it opens the door for exciting future possibilities: tools talking with tools, additional opportunities to stay connected and advancements in tool management software. It also raises some poignant questions, like what other information could we deliver to/from our boring tool? How will cutting time recording, tool clamping and unclamping temperature and vibration analysis be improved?

It’s clear that automatic boring is bringing change and innovation to machining. It brings solutions and valuable insight to efficiency and measurement.