ABSTRACT
Intelligent materials processing (IPM) is achieved by the integration of online sensors, process models, and adaptive control strategies. Intelligent processing means a control system that uses prior knowledge and process models to manipulate the processing conditions in response to available online sensor data. In brief, intelligent processing is process control by objectives, rather than control following prescribed parameters. Th e central elements of IPM are (1) process understanding expressed in terms of a process model, (2) real-time information on processing parameters and material condition obtained with online process sensors, and (3) a model-based sensing and control strategy to achieve the desired characteristics in the fi nished product.
