Intelligent Embedded Controller for an Electric Discharge machine-Preliminary Study
Date
2001-11-16
Authors
Bandara, G. E. M. D. C.
Pathirana, S. D.2001
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Electric Discharge Machining is manually dependent process since many machining
parameters are determined by experienced operators in practice. With the trend of automation
and the need for parts with intricate shapes in modern industry, an adaptive control system,
which can regulate machining conditions automatically during the machining process has
become more and more important in the current use of Electric Discharge Machines (EDM).
This paper discusses the embedded controller designed for a classical EDM. Generally,
average gap voltage is used in the servo controller of a classical Electric Discharge Machine to
control the spark gap. An embedded controller with some additional integrated circuit is used
for sensing the gap voltage and to generate the required pulse width modulation signals to drive
the DC motor.
Fuzzy control has been used in designing the adaptive servo control system controlling
the average gap voltage during machining. It is an on-line expert system, which realizes
adaptive control strategy taken by a skilled operator. The operator's skill, which is difficult to
describe in simple mathematical equations, is represented by a set of fuzzy production rules.
The fuzzy controller determines necessary changes in the machining settings to keep it stable
and at optimum machining conditions. This type of controller may provide a solution to
unattended operation for EDM machines in the future.
Newly designed embedded system replaces the hardware of the malfunctioning EDM
machine at the department of production engineering. All experiments will be carried out with
the existing machine once the hardware setup is ready.
Description
Keywords
Intelligent , Embedded , Electric , machine
Citation
Proceedings & abstracts of the Annual Research Sessions 2001,University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,pp.74