This award is to research, develop and implement a comprehensive control system for Turning Centers in close collaboration with an industrial co-sponsor. This control scheme will be based on reliable process models, the sensing and processing of multiple process monitoring signals and the intelligent control of the system in response to limiting factors and disturbances. Identified areas of research which provide viable, incremental advances towards the goal of computer integrated, untended manufacturing will be investigated with emphasis on the development of intermediate products and solutions. The proposed work, even though limited to the turning process, is an essential part of the necessary research that will advance the capability and efficiency of manufacturing. Working in close contact with industry will also allow the transfer of research efforts in an efficient manner and foster future relationships between the researcher and industry.
