Intelligent machine tools in a distributed network manufacturing mode environment

Manufacturing enterprises are facing serious challenges and pressures from the growing globalisation of the economy and the market as well as from the rapid developments of science and technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially have to reform their traditional manufacturing methods by using advanced technologies, particularly by applying information technology (IT) to succeed in the increasingly intense competition for markets. Thus, it is of great importance for them to accept the concept of agile manufacturing. For this purpose. the concept of distributed network manufacturing mode (DNMM) is outlined in this paper. In DNMM, research is concentrated on enhancing the intelligence of conventional numerical control (NC) machine tools and their ability to communicate and coordinate with the outside world. The experimental results of the distributed network manufacturing prototype system (DNMPS) show that the concept of the DNMM is correct and feasible. Moreover, the intelligent CNC system developed enhances the ability of the conventional NC milling machine to improve machining efficiency and quality and protect the cutting tool. The capability for communicating and collaborating are improved for system integration. resource-sharing and cooperation.