In-process quality 4.0 control reference framework and methodology for CNC machine tools in tmart manufacturing

Abstract

The Industry 4.0 paradigm has changed the shop floor by digitalising and smartifying operations through technology to achieve superior product quality and production performance. This ongoing trend has granted manufacturers varying technological tools and methods to improve their products and processes. Quality 4.0 has also surfaced as the application of Industry 4.0 technologies for Quality Management purposes to leverage its unique advantages for further quality operations enhancement. In this context, In-Process Quality 4.0 Controls (IPQ4.0Cs) have emerged as a “predictivepreventive” approach for ensuring part quality by controlling critical parts and process elements during manufacturing. However, unlike the predominant but inefficient post-process quality control practices, the adoption of IPQ4.0Cs remains limited even in traditional CNC machine tools manufacturing environments. Considering IPQ4.0Cs’ efficient, robust, and autonomous approach to supporting high-quality manufacturing operations, a need for further research was established in this Master’s thesis work. After a careful state-of-the-art review of IPQ4.0Cs in the scientific literature, it was demonstrated that there is a lack of standardised guidelines for their adoption in the industry, challenging Quality anagers to implement them in their manufacturing operations. Thus, this thesis aims to address this challenge by proposing an “In-Process Quality 4.0 Control Reference Framework and Methodology for CNC Machine Tools in Smart Manufacturing” that is useful, practical, and understandable to support Quality Managers in adopting In-Process Quality 4.0 Controls in their CNC machine tools.