This paper discusses an approach to enable step-wise velocity changes in machine tool feed drives while reducing the reaction force of the drive on structural machine components. The implementation is based on an additional actuator that transmits well-defined impulses on the table via mechanical impacts. Possible applications are seen in processes as beam processing or handling. The approach is introduced by means of a multi-body model and afterwards experimental results are shown. On the one hand, the reduction of the tracking error while following discontinuous velocity profiles is analyzed, on the other hand, the reduced excitation of the machine structure is shown. The experimental verification of the functional principle is performed on a single axis setup where the fundamental parameters in design, material and control are quantified. Concluding, a short outlook on remaining research topics regarding the shown approach is given.

The increasing volatility of the markets and the growing demand for customized products are challenges for future production to ensure maximum flexibility and adaptability. This paper introduces software-defined value stream process systems (SVPSs), a novel approach that extends the concept of software-defined manufacturing into autonomous, reconfigurable production systems. SVPSs establish a cyber–physical chain that links product features to requirements, enabling their fulfillment through modular machine and process hardware. A modular construction kit of individually combinable hardware and associated software modules is presented. These modules are coordinated via a digital process chain that enables holistic simulations, optimizations, and planning based on a Digital Twin. This system is based on software-defined manufacturing but extends it into autonomous reconfigurable machines. By enabling virtual planning and commissioning of entire production lines, the SVPS concept provides an efficient and adaptable solution to meet the demands of volatile markets.

Der Impulsaktor bietet einen Ansatz, durch mechanische Stöße die Dynamik von Vorschubachsen deutlich zu erhöhen und nahezu sprunghafte Geschwindigkeitsänderungen zu erlauben. In diesem Beitrag wird vorgestellt, wie ein Versuchsstand mit zwei Vorschubantrieben, der bereits einen zusätzlichen Aktor besitzt, um einen Aktor in der zweiten Achse erweitert und die Bahnplanung mit zwei Aktoren angepasst wird. Ein Nachweis der Funktionalität erfolgt simulativ an einem Mehrkörpermodell. The impact-based actuator is an approach to significantly increase the dynamics of feed axes by means of mechanical impacts, enabling almost abrupt velocity changes. This paper presents a test stand with two feed drives and one additional actuator is being extended by another actuator in the second axis and shows how path planning is adapted to operation with two actuators. A verification of the functionality is done simulatively on a multi-body model.

The increasing volatility of the markets and the growing demand for customized products are the challenges for the production of the future to ensure maximum flexibility and adaptability. This paper presents the development of a cyber-physical chain linking product features to requirements and their fulfillment in machine and process hardware to form a modular, reconfigurable production system. The conception and realization of universal production systems is investigated. A modular construction kit of individually combinable hardware and associated software modules is presented. These modules are coordinated via a digital process chain that enables holistic simulations, optimizations, and planning based on digital twins. This system is based on software-defined manufacturing but extends it into autonomous reconfigurable machines. The virtual planning and commissioning of entire production lines aims to achieve efficient and adaptable production in volatile markets.