Introduction
Lubrication is defined as the “application of oil or grease to a machine part that reduces friction and permits easy movement of the parts or components of the machine” (“What Is Lubrication?”). Many different types of machines require different types of lubrication in order to ensure proper operation and longevity of performance. A major component of many machines, such as numerically controlled (NC) machines, is the lubrication system. The lubrication system of a machine itself can be quite complex, but it is the controlling mechanism of the system that is critical to prevent spills and wear on the machine. As advances are made in the number controlled machine technology, there have been increases in the complexity of the control systems of these machines, and this in turn has lead to the need to improve lubrication system control to ensure optimal performance.
Background
NC machines are any machine that are capable of being operated under numerical control (NC). This means that data from a computer or a programmable logic controller are sent to the machine, allowing it to operate autonomously. NC machines have become increasingly popular in industry due to their ability to drastically reduce costs and time for production. In addition, these machines are capable of intricate and precise machining due to their ability to produce parts with great accuracy, repeatability, and speed.
In order for NC machines, and other machines such as robotics, to operate correctly and efficiently, a reliable lubrication system is needed in order to provide protection and proper performance (Groh & Widera, 1998). This lubrication system needs to be controlled in such a way that it accurately dispenses the correct amount of lubricant at the correct time in order to ensure efficient operation of the machine. This can be done by either manually controlling the lubrication system or through a computer system.
Computer control systems of lubrication systems have become increasingly popular due to their ability to accurately and precisely control and dispense lubricant. Different factors such as pressure, temperature, and volume can all be taken into account when controlling the system. In addition, computer controlled systems are able to operate continuously, allowing for more consistent lubrication and greater efficiency.
Current Control Systems and Limitations
Currently, the most widely used control system for NC machines is the Sensi-Seal controller. This controller is a closed loop system that is able to monitor and adjust the flow of lubricant. The system is designed to ensure the correct volume of lubricant is applied, by monitoring pressure and temperature. It is able to do this through the use of a pressure transducer and a temperature transducer. The Sensi-Seal controller is equipped with a user interface, which allows for easy adjustment of the system parameters.
The main limitation of the Sensi-Seal controller is its inability to accurately monitor and dispense lubricant for long periods of time. This is due to the fact that the controller does not take into account the operating conditions of the NC machine. As a result, the amount of lubricant dispensed may not be optimal for the operating conditions of the NC machine. In addition, the system does not have the ability to automatically adjust the parameters of the system as the operating conditions of the NC machine change, which can lead to an inefficient lubrication system.
Improved Control System
In order to improve the performance of the control system of NC machines, a more advanced system must be used. This system should be capable of monitoring the operating conditions of the NC machine in order to ensure optimal lubrication. The proposed improvement to the control system is to use a multi-sensor system that is able to incorporate more than just pressure and temperature.
The multi-sensor system should be able to monitor the air pressure, temperature, and speed of the NC machine in order to better detect any changes in the operating conditions. The sensors would be connected to a computer system that is able to process the data in real time, and adjust the parameters of the lubrication system accordingly.
The computer system would be programmed to adjust the output of the lubrication system based on the operating conditions detected by the sensors. For example, if the temperature of the NC machine rises, the computer system would adjust the output of the lubricant to provide additional cooling. Similarly, if the speed of the NC machine decreases, the output of the lubricant can be adjusted to provide additional lubrication.
In addition, the computer system should be programmed to alert the operator of any detected changes in the operating conditions, as well as any potential problems with the lubrication system. This would allow the operator to quickly identify any issues and take corrective action, in order to prevent any potential damage to the NC machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed improved control system for NC machines would be able to monitor and adjust the output of the lubrication system in order to provide optimal lubrication for the machine. This would ensure that the NC machine operates efficiently and with greater longevity. The proposed system would also be able to alert the operator of any potential issues, allowing for quick corrective action to be taken.
