Smart machine tool system
AssigneePCC Specialty Products, Inc.
InventorsJames D. Flanagan, Brian R. Faucher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A machine tool system (30) includes a tool (32) for cold forming a workpiece over an operating cycle and a sensor device (40) which senses each operating cycle of the tool (32). Identification data for the tool (32) and operating data for the tool (32) are stored on an electronic device (34) fixedly mounted to the tool (32). At least one interface device (46) provides communication between the electronic device (34) and the sensor device (40).
Claims31
A machine tool system comprising:
- a tool for cold forming a workpiece over an operating cycle, the tool having an electronic device fixedly mounted thereto, the electronic device having means for storing data including identification data for the tool and operating data for the tool;
- a sensor device which senses each operating cycle of the tool;
- and
- at least one interface device in communication with the electronic device and the sensor device.
A method of monitoring the life cycle of a cold forming tool in a cold forming system, the tool having an electronic device fixedly mounted thereto, the method comprising the steps of:
- storing identification data for the tool in the electronic device;
- sensing each operating cycle of the tool with an operating cycle sensor device and transmitting operating cycle data from the operating signal sensor device;
- and
- receiving and storing the operating cycle data in the electronic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.