Advanced machine tool automation projects get $1.6 million in R&D from Poland

Real-time monitoring for mechatronics, computer numerical controls, and machine tools projects received a $1.6 million R&D funding boost from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland for the Centre of Mechatronics for two faculties at West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland.

January 3, 2011

Mechatronics, computer numerical controls, and machine tools seem likely to gain efficiency after a $1.6 million in funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland for the Centre of Mechatronics, the research and development team of two faculties (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland). The SAGITTARIUS-ICM Project funding involves a team of 11 professors, 14 doctors, and 8 PhD students conducting 12 research and development projects from the varied fields of diagnostics and control within mechatronic systems, such as computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools. The name SAGITTARIUS-ICM comes from a description of the projects: UniverSAl inteGrated open architecture diagnostIc sysTem for research on machine Tool dynAmics and micRo-electromechanIcal systems in USage for development of Integrated Condition Monitoring modules for CNCs.

The three-year goal of the SAGITTARIUS-ICM system is to let users precisely measure and, more importantly,  analyze online the dynamics of machine tools and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). It will be the basis for development of integrated condition monitoring modules, more economical and much more functional than any other, according to those involved. Functionalities of these modules will be introduced after research projects are completed.

“The system will give us extraordinary possibilities of synchronization of the diagnostic conclusions from thermal model, vision analysis, vibration analysis, acoustic emission monitoring, analog signals precise measurements within one decision, how to change… anything within the CNC control system. With SAGITTARIUS-ICM system, the sensor fusion will go to the next level of abstraction,” said vice-director of the Centre of Mechatronics, Krzysztof Pietrusewicz, PhD. “Our successful project O.C.E.A.N. (Open modular Control system for linEAr motioN drive, R&D project, one of the 29 most innovative on the Innovations Technologies Machines Trades 2009, Poznan, Poland, awarded with Gold Medal of the fair) gave us opportunity to test the functionalities of milling machines [that] no one can test. Now it’s time for full integration of condition monitoring within the control algorithms,” Pietrusewicz said.

Read more on the O.C.E.A.N. Project

-Edited by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com