Active-passive hybrid feed rate control systems in CNC machining: Mitigating force fluctuations and enhancing tool life

Abstract

Real-time optimization of machining processes for aerospace structural components is imperative due to the difficult-to-cut materials and complex structures. Effective feed rate control in CNC machining plays a key role in achieving high-quality results. While current research trends in mass production emphasize the utilization of adaptive control algorithms and controllers within machining systems, there remains a need to enhance the adaptability of these control systems. This study introduces an active-passive hybrid feed rate control system designed to maintain consistently stable cutting conditions and extend tool life. The hybrid feed rate control system combines offline active pre-compensating, a scheduled pre-compensating feed rate profile, and an online feed rate passive fine-tuning with a real-time adaptive control loop in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The response speed is enhanced by offline active pre-compensation, whereas the control precision is improved by online passive fine-tuning with a fuzzy controller. Four control cases were tested separately throughout the tool lifespan, including the conventional and adaptive control methods. The proposed adaptive control method reduced the maximum slope from 3.6 to 1.2, demonstrating superior performance compared to both its individual components and other case studies. The results showed a significant 25 % increase in tool life, with a slight decrease in machining efficiency of 7.35 % during the entire tool lifespan.