Optimisation of chip removal processes on machine tools

A method for operating a machine tool system, the machine tool system comprising a machine tool with a tool for machining a workpiece, and a control apparatus connected to the machine tool for generating a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool using a program which can be executed by the control apparatus, with the control apparatus comprising an operating facility with a display apparatus for interaction between an operator and the control apparatus, said method comprising:

• altering manually by the operator using the operating facility a technology parameter;
• determining a change to a production-related characteristic variable brought about by the altered technology parameter;
• displaying the changed production-related characteristic variable on the display apparatus directly or in relation to an associated relative measure;
• determining the changed production-related characteristic variable with the control apparatus or with an external computing facility connected to the control apparatus;
• storing in the control apparatus or in the external computing facility a tool change time provided for a tool change or tool costs required for procuring the tool or a machine hour rate associated with operating the machine tool;
• and
• determining a measure for the change to the production-related characteristic variable as a function of at least one of the tool change time, the tool costs and the machine hour rate.

A machine tool system, comprising:

• a machine tool with a tool for machining a workpiece;
• and
• a control apparatus connected to the machine tool for generating a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool, said control apparatus comprising an operating facility with a display apparatus for interaction between an operator and the control apparatus, said control apparatus, by using a program which can be executed by the control apparatus, configured to
• alter manually by the operator using the operating facility a technology parameter,
• determine a change to a production-related characteristic variable brought about by the altered technology parameter,
• display the changed production-related characteristic variable on the display apparatus directly or in relation to an associated relative measure,
• determine the changed production-related characteristic variable with the control apparatus or an external computing facility connected to the control apparatus,
• store in the control apparatus or in the external computing facility a tool change time provided for a tool change or tool costs required for procuring the tool or a machine hour rate associated with operating the machine tool, and
• determine a measure for the change to the production-related characteristic variable as a function of at least one of the tool change time, the tool costs and the machine hour rate.

A control apparatus for a machine tool system having a machine tool with a tool for machining a workpiece, the control apparatus connected to the machine tool for generating a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool, and comprising an operating facility with a display apparatus for interaction between an operator and the control apparatus,

• the control apparatus, by using a program which can be executed by the control apparatus, configured to
• alter manually by the operator using the operating facility a technology parameter,
• determine a change to a production-related characteristic variable brought about by the altered technology parameter,
• display the changed production-related characteristic variable on the display apparatus directly or in relation to an associated relative measure,
• determine the changed production-related characteristic variable with the control apparatus or an external computing facility connected to the control apparatus,
• store in the control apparatus or in the external computing facility a tool change time provided for a tool change or tool costs required for procuring the tool or a machine hour rate associated with operating the machine tool, and
• determine a measure for the change to the production-related characteristic variable as a function of at least one of the tool change time, the tool costs and the machine hour rate.