An approach to using a CNC machine digital shadow and cloud-based technologies at the machine shop floor level

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology Vol. 129; no. 5-6; pp. 2415 - 2427
• Main Authors: Martinov, Georgi M., Sokolov, Sergey V., Martinova, Liliya I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.11.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Advanced manufacturing technologies; CAE) and Design; Cloud computing; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Data collection; Data exchange; Digital twins; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Information storage; Machine shops; Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Milling machines; Numerical controls; Original Article; Product life cycle; Shadows; CNC; CNC machine digital shadow; OPC UA server-client; Cloud-based manufacturing technologies; Postprocessor for cloud-based CAD/CAM system
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-023-12437-3

The power of computing resources brought by cloud technologies expands the information space of the shop floor. Given that machine-building shop floors are equipped with technological equipment from different manufacturers and years of release, it is almost impossible to find a ready-made turnkey solution for creating a single information space in this environment, and one has to adapt and modify the solutions available in the market. The paper proposes an approach of step-by-step transition to cloud-based technologies on the machine shop floor, based on the combined use of third-party and personal cloud services with the use of the digital shadow of the CNC machine and the OPC UA standard. The application of cloud technologies throughout the product lifecycle interval is considered, starting from the design and development of manufacturing technology to the production and storage of information related to the machining process. The efficiency of the proposed ideas is tested and approved in pilot production during the 3-axis machining of the part on a CNC milling machine using the digital shadow of the CNC machine deployed in a private cloud.