Implementation of a Model Based Numerical Control for the Gravity Die Casting Process

Abstract

Automation of gravity die casting can be achieved by Numerical Controls (NC). However, NCs are not inherently capable to control every process, but rather have to be extended accordingly. In this paper, we show how a Numerical Control can be extended by a process model for the gravity die casting process. The extension enables either flow rates or machine axes positions to be passed to the NC. Then the NC interpolates those values and they are either fed directly to the machine axes or, when the casting process is running, processed further. We define some more functions for process safety. The implemented behavior is tested with dedicated tests and test software. First results confirm that the presented concept for model integration is valid.