Simulative investigation of hybrid force and position control for electromechanical feed axes in production machines

Abstract

Abstract In the area of production engineering, there are several ongoing efforts to improve manufacturing strategies and processes in terms of stability, quality, and efficiency. Control of process forces is one such appropriate measure for ensuring stable process conditions. This can also ensure in reducing the number of parts rejected due to bad quality and thus aiding as a significant economic benefit. However, control of process forces in production machines with electromechanical feed axes is still a developing field and offers space for potential improvement. Control concepts at the process level, which enable a combination of force control and position control still need to be developed. The concept of hybrid force and position control is presented in this article as a possible approach. Different methods of implementation along with the effects are examined in the simulation. A reduced‐order model of an electromechanical feed axis is used for this purpose. The potential of the hybrid force and position control as well as the limits and possible applications are explained based on the simulation results.

Keywords

• controller design
• controller performance
• electromechanical feed axis
• force control
• position control