Energy Consumption-Oriented Process Design Based on Specific Energy-Consumption Model

Reducing the energy needed for the machining processes used in manufacturing is a concrete step toward achieving a green transformation (GX). In this study, we investigated the use of a three-axis vertical machining center to drill and end mill a workpiece and evaluated the effects of different process designs and machining conditions on the energy efficiency. Evaluations of the energy consumption, which included the energy consumed during machining as well as that consumed for material mounting and tool changes, showed that the optimal process differed depending on the production volume. Furthermore, the evaluation results mostly agreed with the measurements. The proposed method can be implemented using numerical-control-program simulation data based on computer-aided manufacturing software. Thus, it is a practical energy-saving technology that does not require additional equipment. The proposed method is expected to contribute to the realization of sustainable production activities that promote a GX at manufacturing sites.