OPC UA-based Force Control for Deep Rolling with Mechanical Tools

Deep rolling can increase the service life of components under cyclic load. In order to achieve a maximum increase in service life, the deep rolling force must remain within defined limits. However, process-related disturbances lead to unwanted fluctuations in the rolling force. In order to reduce the fluctuations in rolling force, a new type of force control was developed for mechanical deep rolling. To control the rolling force, the actual deep rolling force is measured using a sensory deep rolling tool. The sensory tool allows the force data to be transmitted wirelessly to a control PC. The control PC then adjusts the axes of the machine tool to reach the target force. The adjustment of the axes was implemented using the OPC UA standard. The deep rolling force control reduces the force error during mechanical deep rolling by 90%. This ensures a constant process result and improves the mechanical deep rolling process.