Artificial bee colony, genetic, back propagation and recurrent neural networks for developing intelligent system of turning process

Intelligent manufacturing requires significant technological interventions to interface manufacturing processes with computational tools in order to dynamically mold the systems. In this era of the 4th industrial revolution, Artificial neural network (ANNs) is a modern tool equipped with a better learning capability (based on the past experience or history data) and assists in intelligent manufacturing. This research paper reports on ANNs based intelligent modelling of a turning process. The central composite design is used as a data-driven modelling tool and huge input–output is generated to train the neural networks. ANNs are trained with the data collected from the physics-based models by using back-propagation algorithm (BP), genetic algorithm (GA), artificial bee colony (ABC), and BP algorithm trained with self-feedback loop. The ANNs are trained and developed as both forward and reverse mapping models. Forward modelling aims at predicting a set of machining quality characteristics (i.e. surface roughness, cylindricity error, circularity error, and material removal rate) for the known combinations of cutting parameters (i.e. cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nose radius). Reverse modelling aims at predicting the cutting parameters for the desired machining quality characteristics. The parametric study has been conducted for all the developed neural networks (BPNN, GA-NN, RNN, ABC-NN) to optimize neural network parameters. The performance of neural network models has been tested with the help of ten test cases. The network predicted results are found in-line with the experimental values for both forward and reverse models. The neural network models namely, RNN and ABC-NN have shown better performance in forward and reverse modelling. The forward modelling results could help any novice user for off-line monitoring, that could predict the output without conducting the actual experiments. Reverse modelling prediction would help to dynamically adjust the cutting parameters in CNC machine to obtain the desired machining quality characteristics.