Getting Feed Drive Systems under Control – Analysis, Simulation and Control of an Industrial Multi-Axis Motion System

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In mechanical engineering studies, students gain a deep mathematical understanding of systems and control engineering. However, coupling this theoretical understanding with practical implementation in industrial applications can be very challenging. The motivation for this practicum series is to build a bridge between theory and practice with the students.

The project aimed to create a framework in which students can experience the most important properties of feed axes. For this purpose, a test rig was developed which realistically reproduces the most important properties of feed axes and machine tools in industry and yet is as simple and portable as possible. Components such as control and measuring systems were used, which are also used in machine tools and automation systems in practice. The availability of two test rigs makes it possible to work with two groups in parallel in one practical course.

The practical courses are conducted with a workshop character. In an introduction, an intuitive understanding of the theoretical basics is conveyed. Afterwards, the students solve various practical tasks in groups, which they present on a digital whiteboard (http://miro.com ). Afterwards, the results are presented to each other and discussed. Emergence arises because the solutions to the tasks of both groups provide further insights in context. These are worked out in plenary on the digital whiteboard.

The first implementation of the practicals will not take place until the autumn semester 2021. The introduction of practicum parts 1 to 4 will take place gradually so that all practicums can be carried out by the end of the semester.

The goals regarding the development and production of test rigs as well as the provision of measuring equipment have been achieved and the desired effects can be demonstrated. The preparation of the courses is at the design stage and will be refined with the first implementation.

The project will be completed with a delay. The main factor for the delay is that an introduction of group work on test benches in practical courses during the Corona pandemic would not have been compatible with the necessary protective measures. Therefore, the project was put on hold in the meantime.

Due to the forced teleworking situation during the Corona pandemic, the project team has in the meantime discovered new working methods and tools, such as the digital whiteboard. This can be used very well in the internships and enables close collaboration while still encouraging participation from each individual. This paves the way for the implementation of such practicums with more groups and thus more students at the same time. Nevertheless, this type of internship will remain limited to small numbers of participants (2-3 people per group) due to the high expenditure on hardware and logistics.

As no practicums have been conducted yet, the impact on student learning could not yet be investigated. Feedback will be sought from students after the course has taken place so that this impact can be evaluated.