The BEC standard presents a standardized methodology to evaluate the energy consumption of machine tools, and based on this methodology, introduces the Baseline Energy Consumption (BEC) metric as a standard measure of the energy consumption of machine tools. Applications of the standard and metric include:
- Estimating the approximate energy requirements of operating a machine tool to manufacture a specific part
- Comparing the energy requirements of two machine tools that are being applied in similar activities
- Performing Return-on-Investment calculations to justify energy efficiency improvements in machine tool and machining technologies
- Assessing environmental impact of manufacturing processes from equipment energy consumption
- Understanding electrical energy capacity requirements for machine tools.
A key consideration in designing the test methodology was to ensure that the tests can be performed within a reasonable amount of a time in a standard industrial setting without requiring any special workpieces, fixtures, or equipment. We explicitly selected a pragmatic approach because the goal of this metric is to serve as a figure of merit for the energy consumption of machine tools and manufacturing equipment, and not as a precise indication of the energy required by a machine tool to manufacture a specific part or to execute a specific operation.
This project has ben supported by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, General Dynamics - OTS, and AMT: The Association for Manufacturing Technology.
If you would like to learn more about the BEC standard, or would like a copy of the BEC specification and whitepaper, contact us.
