Smart and Effective Engineering Manufacturing (SEEM)

A consortium including Renishaw plc, Diameter Ltd, NPL Management Ltd, The University of Bristol and Brunel University has been funded to investigate and develop new technology and systems that will deliver a step change in extending the life of cutting tools and improving tool performance. The project aims to develop a tool coating arrangement to provide an improved cutting surface, combined with an embedded transducer to monitor real time cutting performance. The combination of these processes when used in cutting tools is unique. Benefits will be to extend the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of production processes from increased tool life span, reduction in machine downtime and reduction in risk of damage as a result of tool wear or breakages. The commercial benefits from this ‘smart tool’ technology will add considerable economic value to the machining/manufacturing industries. Additionally there will be important environmental benefits in energy savings derived from better cutting performance and proven low friction.