Currently most machine tools for metal cutting follow instructions from a program that is manually prepared in advance. However, in addition to the labour required to create each program, this method has potential issues, as the machines cannot make adjustments to the machining process or respond to unforeseen problems. Metal components can also be shaped using metal 3D printers, but this too has disadvantages, the researchers say the metal powder used as a raw material is expensive, and the surface of the finished component is poor quality.
Instead of providing machine tools with instructions, the prototype created by the Kobe University team is claimed to be the first in the world to entrust the machine tool itself with the machining operation. If you prepare a 3D model and a material model of the component, the machine tool will determine the optimum machining process using a database of machining information and cutting conditions. This development could potentially pave the way for intelligent manufacturing systems, reduced costs, and faster production times.