Towards new architectures of machine tools

Abstract

This paper presents new possibilities of machine tool architecture and a methodological approach to the design of these machines. The method proposed deals with the evolution of machine tool towards flexibility, automatic control and integration in flexible ceils. Each machine tool is composed of basic modules and each of them is linked with manufacturing features defined with the workpieces to be machined. Expert rules and algorithms based on temporal logic are used to optimize this architecture. The link with control unit design is made with a view of zits integration with the whole machine. In order to specify the quality of machine flexibility, the entropy system has been defined.