An approach to identify RFID application potentials and to implement smart tools

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology of the future that uses radio waves in order to identify objects. It can be considered to be part of an emerging universal infrastructure that supports greater visibility (e.g. object localization) and efficiency (e.g. reduction of manual input) in manufacturing processes. Increased requirements regarding efficiency in the metal cutting manufacturing urge to well matched tools. In combination with tools, RFID can lead to benefits such as optimal tool utilization, through put time reduction and efficient use of resources. This paper presents an approach to identify RFID application potentials for metal cutting tools in manufacturing processes. Hereby, it describes a step by step approach to define application potentials for RFID by taking technical restrictions into account. The paper presents significant results of identified potential to optimize manufacturing processes by the use of unified, comprehensive information. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.