CONTROL OF MACHINING PROCESSES

This paper reviews the important recent research contributions for control of machining processes (e.g., turning, milling, drilling, and grinding). The major research accomplishments are reviewed from the perspective of a hierarchical control system structure which considers servo, process, and supervisory control levels. The use and benefits of advanced control methods (e.g., optimal control, adaptive control) are highlighted and illustrated with examples from research work conducted by the authors. Also included are observations on how significant the research to date has been in terms of industrial impact, and speculations on how this research area will develop in the coming decade.