Abstract

Toolpath orientations and axes weights have been identified as some of the parameters that could influence the electrical energy consumption and sustainable machining objectives. However, power evaluations of the machine tool axes when carrying different weights and in different toolpath trajectories have not been fully implemented for energy management in machining processes. This work proposes a framework for determining optimum toolpath orientations by conducting a comparative study and individualization analysis of axes weights for electrical power consumption management in slot milling operations of AISI 1018 steel alloy. Results show that performing slot milling at an angle aligned in the direction of the axis with the minimum weights tend to lower the feed axes power consumption.. Therefore, sustainable slot milling operations could be achieved by aligning the toolpaths at an angle oriented in the direction of the lighter axis for minimum feed axes power consumption. This work could further enhance the modeling of power consumption, and hence electrical energy demand in mechanical machining for resource efficiency and green manufacturing.