Mold copper electrode processing method for improving precision

Abstract

The present application relates to a mold copper electrode processing method for improving precision, which comprises the following steps: according to the set test processing procedure, the test piece is processed by the machine tool, the machine tool characteristic database is obtained and generated by process test, according to the processing effect of the tool approach surface of the test piece, the qualified tool approach process data is obtained and the tool database is generated, in the mold processing program, the machine tool preheating time is controlled according to the characteristic database, in the tool approach processing operation, the tool approach skill parameters are generated according to the tool database, so that the next process can be directly processed after the tool approach is completed. The present application generates the modularized characteristic database and tool database through pretreatment, and applies them to the machine tool processing procedure, so as to ensure the processing effect by improving the processing efficiency and reducing the influence of human factors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for machining copper electrodes for molds to improve precision, and belongs to the field of mold machining technology. Background Technology

[0002] In mold processing, there are many methods used, such as milling, grinding, machining center, wire cutting, lathe, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). However, for common mold areas like right angles, ribs, undercuts, internal sharp corners, and text / patterns, as well as areas requiring particularly high surface precision, milling machines, machining centers, and engraving machines using cutting tools are often insufficient to meet these requirements. EDM, on the other hand, can solve these processing challenges. The copper electrode, used in EDM, is a crucial component in mold processing. The surface shape of the copper electrode's discharge location must match the shape of the mold product; therefore, the appearance quality of the copper electrode directly affects the processing accuracy of the mold product. The more complex the shape of the copper electrode and the longer the processing time, the greater the impact of the processing technology on the appearance precision of the copper electrode. However, traditional copper electrode processing relies heavily on the experience of on-site personnel for processing and debugging, which is time-consuming and makes it difficult to guarantee processing accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a method for machining copper electrodes for molds to improve accuracy, aiming to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for improving the machining accuracy of copper electrodes in molds, the method comprising the following steps:

[0005] S110. Set up test processing procedures according to machine tool characteristics and processing requirements, and process the test piece using the machine tool according to the test processing procedures; perform process testing on the processed test piece to obtain machine tool characteristics that affect the processing accuracy of the machine tool, and generate a corresponding characteristic database.

[0006] S120. Establish a tool database according to the mold processing requirements; after the test piece is subjected to roughing, semi-finishing and finishing in sequence, select a test tool from the tool database to perform tool connection processing on the polished surface of the test piece, adjust the process according to the processing effect of the tool connection surface until qualified tool connection process data is obtained, and record and store the corresponding tool connection process data in the tool database; wherein, the tool database includes a variety of test tools with different diameters.

[0007] Furthermore, the test data includes lead screw thermal extension data, spindle thermal elongation data, and machine tool thermal deformation data.

[0008] Furthermore, the process testing methods include measurement using a three-axis coordinate measuring machine, inspection using a dial indicator, and direct in-machine inspection.

[0009] Furthermore, the tool receiving process data includes tool parameters, cutting parameters, and tool path, wherein the cutting parameters include step distance, depth of cut, and spindle speed.

[0010] Furthermore, the characteristic database includes workpiece dimensions and their corresponding preheating time and preheating spindle speed.

[0011] Furthermore, the test piece is made of copper.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for processing copper electrodes for molds. Based on the pretreatment method of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0013] S210. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode, preheat the area to be processed, and automatically identify and control the machine tool preheating time according to the preset preheating variables; wherein, the preheating variables are obtained according to the machine tool characteristics and through the characteristic database; after completing the reservation operation, process the copper electrode for the current process.

[0014] S220. When tool connection processing is required, the machine tool's tool connection processing parameters are automatically identified and generated through a preset post-processing program, based on the required machining tool. After the tool connection is completed according to the tool connection processing parameters, the next machining process is directly carried out. The tool connection processing parameters are obtained from the tool database.

[0015] Furthermore, step S210 includes the following steps:

[0016] S211. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode to obtain the processing dimensions of the copper electrode;

[0017] S212. Based on the machine tool characteristic database, automatically obtain the preheating time and spindle speed that match the machining dimensions;

[0018] S213. Preheat the machine tool according to the matched preheating time and spindle speed.

[0019] Furthermore, step S220 includes the following steps:

[0020] S221. Obtain the tool parameters of the machining tool to obtain a matching test tool from the tool database;

[0021] S222. Based on the tool connection process data of the matched test tool, set the tool connection processing parameters of the machine tool to perform tool connection processing;

[0022] S223. After completing the tool receiving process, proceed directly to the next processing step.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a CNC machine tool and a computer device, wherein the computer device stores program instructions, and the above-described machining method is implemented when the program instructions are executed by a processor.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows.

[0025] This invention provides a method for machining copper electrodes for molds to improve precision. It effectively enhances the machining accuracy and effect of machine tools, increases machining speed while maintaining machining quality, and provides an efficient solution for the precision machining of complex and varied mold copper electrodes. It reduces reliance on operator skill levels, thus reducing the industry's dependence on high-end machining centers. The method is flexible and can be applied to other mold machining fields. Through a self-designed pre-processing method, a characteristic database of the machine tool and a tool database are created. The modular design allows for flexible application of the pre-processing method, reducing the impact of user interference and arbitrary operations on the machining effect. During preheating, the system automatically calls the characteristic database based on actual preheating conditions to obtain a high-precision, evidence-based machine tool preheating time, thereby improving machine tool stability and ensuring machining accuracy. In tool connection processing, the system automatically calls the tool database, allowing direct machining of the next process after tool connection without manual inspection and adjustment, achieving efficient tool connection and direct machining after tool connection. Applying the machine tool's characteristic database and its tool connection database to the copper electrode machining process improves machining speed while maintaining machining accuracy.

[0026] Furthermore, additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test piece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the processing trajectory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the programming toolpath trajectory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, solution, and effects of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, when a feature is referred to as "fixed" or "connected" to another feature, it can be directly fixed or connected to the other feature, or indirectly fixed or connected to the other feature. The singular forms "a," "described," and "the" used herein are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not for limiting the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish elements of the same type from one another. For example, a first element may also be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. Any and all instances or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” etc.) provided herein are intended only to better illustrate embodiments of the invention and, unless otherwise required, do not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The pretreatment method for improving the machining accuracy of copper electrodes in molds according to the present invention includes at least the following steps:

[0035] S110. Set up test processing procedures according to machine tool characteristics and processing requirements, process the test piece with the machine tool according to the test processing procedures, perform process testing on the processed test piece to obtain machine tool characteristics that affect the machining accuracy of the machine tool, and generate a corresponding characteristic database.

[0036] S120. Establish a tool database according to the mold processing requirements; after roughing, semi-finishing and finishing the test piece in sequence, select test tools from the tool database to perform tool connection processing on the polished surface of the test piece, adjust the process according to the processing effect of the tool connection surface until qualified tool connection process data is obtained, and record and store the corresponding tool connection process data in the tool database; the tool database includes various types of test tools with different diameters.

[0037] It should be noted that, in order to make the data in the generated characteristic database and tool database more closely match the actual usage conditions, the manufacturing material of the test piece in this embodiment of the invention is the same as the manufacturing material of the product to be processed on-site by the customer. For example, when the machine tool to be used is applied to copper electrode processing, the test piece in this embodiment of the invention is made of pure copper or copper material.

[0038] In some embodiments, based on the characteristics of the machine tool used at the customer's site or the processing requirements of the products to be produced, corresponding test processing procedures are set. Then, the self-designed test piece is processed through the airport operation test processing procedures. After processing, process testing is performed on the test piece to determine which aspects of the machine tool characteristics have a significant impact on processing accuracy, and how to set processing parameters to obtain the desired processing effect. The processing testing methods used in this embodiment include measurement using a three-axis coordinate measuring machine, marking inspection using a dial indicator, and direct on-machine inspection. The machine tool characteristics in this embodiment include lead screw thermal extension data, spindle thermal extension data, and machine tool thermal deformation data. Furthermore, through processing and inspection of the test piece, the thermal deformation problems of the current machine tool can be quickly verified. Specifically, based on the on-site processing results under different conditions, real test data is obtained, and through analysis and judgment, the optimal parameter settings for the current machine tool are obtained, and a characteristic database of the current machine tool is formed. For example, regarding the preheating settings for the machine tool's machining area, the characteristic database can be called to obtain the estimated number of minutes after the machine tool will stabilize. Then, in the CAM machining program, a macro variable can be set to control the machine tool's preheating program and thus control the machine tool's preheating time.

[0039] Specifically, based on the customer's on-site usage environment data and the machine tool characteristics of the equipment to be used, especially thermal stability characteristics such as spindle thermal expansion and triaxial thermal expansion, corresponding test processing procedures are formulated according to the collected data, such as setting processing toolpaths and processing parameters. The test piece is then processed according to the planned processing procedures to obtain more comprehensive and precise machine tool processing results. The processing results are then tested and analyzed using high-precision testing instruments or other effective testing methods to obtain relevant parameters affecting the machine tool preheating time, as well as the specific setting values ​​of these parameters under different preheating processing conditions. The obtained process parameters, preheating processing conditions, and parameter values ​​are stored in a characteristic database. Therefore, during actual production, the operator only needs to input the actual preheating processing conditions, and the machine tool system can automatically obtain the corresponding process parameters and parameter values ​​and execute the corresponding preheating program. This not only speeds up processing but also improves processing accuracy and reduces the impact of manual intervention.

[0040] This is illustrated with a specific embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, regarding the setting of machine tool preheating time, the on-site programmer generates the workpiece dimensions as the preheating processing condition when generating the CAM post-processing file. The machine tool system can then output specific preheating time data based on the workpiece dimensions. For example, if the input workpiece dimensions are 50*50*50nm, the machine tool system can automatically obtain a preheating time of 10 minutes; if the input workpiece dimensions are 100*100*100nm, the machine tool system can automatically obtain a preheating time of 15 minutes. Furthermore, it can also obtain the specific setting value of the spindle speed during preheating. The preheating parameter setting does not require manual intervention. In contrast, traditional machine tool preheating lacks specific data tables for reference. The time setting can only rely on the on-site operator's experience or be based on generally accepted preheating times in the industry, such as the general belief that the preheating time for ultra-precision machine tools is generally no more than 30 minutes. Such settings result in an unfounded preheating time setting. The same machining operation will have different preheating times depending on the operator or the machining time period, thus preventing the preheating operation from effectively assisting the machining effect. The traditional machine tool preheating time is only a rough value set subjectively by the operator, which obviously cannot meet the increasingly high precision requirements of modern copper electrode processing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the machining verification of the contact treatment on the test piece is carried out through the development of machining processes, the selection of machining tools, the writing of machining programs, and the formulation of machining parameters. For example, the test piece is first roughed using a 10mm flat end mill, semi-finished using an R3 ball end mill, and then finished using an R3 ball end mill. After the test piece has been finished, tools of different sizes are used for contact treatment, thereby obtaining the influence of the contact process data settings on the contact treatment based on the machining effect of the contact surface. The contact process data includes tool parameters, cutting parameters, and tool path, where the cutting parameters include step distance, depth of cut, and spindle speed.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the selection of test tools in the tool database can be set according to the processing requirements of the mold copper electrode. Furthermore, in the processing program for verifying the tool connection process, this invention emphasizes the use of different sized processing tools for tool connection. This is beneficial for verifying the accuracy of the tool setting device and for obtaining tool connection process data for various types of processing tools, thus broadening its application range. It should be noted that this invention can use on-machine probe measurement technology or a coordinate measuring machine to analyze the data, thereby determining on which tool connection surface the machine tool is at fault.

[0043] Specifically, see Figure 3a First, the surface of the test piece is machined (see...). Figure 3b The blue surface is the machined surface. Then, different sized cutting tools are used to perform tool connection processing on the machined surface (see...). Figure 3b The intersection of the blue surface and the blue dotted line is the tool insertion point, and the test piece is machined according to different programmed toolpaths (see...). Figure 4 The blue surface is the machining surface, the intersection of the blue surface and the blue dotted line is the tool entry point, the yellow surface indicates the tool retraction point, and the orange frame indicates different toolpaths. Optimal machining settings parameters are obtained through detection and analysis.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to a method for processing copper electrodes for molds according to the present invention, and based on an embodiment of the present invention, a pretreatment method for improving the processing accuracy of copper electrodes for molds, the processing method includes at least the following steps:

[0045] S210. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode, preheat the area to be processed, and control the machine tool preheating time according to the preset preheating variables; wherein, the preheating variables are obtained according to the machine tool characteristics and through the characteristic database; after completing the scheduled operation, process the copper electrode for the current process.

[0046] S220. When a tool-attaching operation is required, the machine tool's tool-attaching machining parameters are automatically identified and generated through a preset post-processing program, based on the required machining tool. After the tool-attaching operation is completed according to the tool-attaching machining parameters, the next machining process is directly performed. The tool-attaching machining parameters are obtained from a tool database.

[0047] In some embodiments, based on the current machine tool characteristic database obtained through preprocessing, relevant post-processing files are formulated. During mold processing programming, machine tool operation is controlled through macro variables associated with the characteristic database. This modular approach allows for the rapid acquisition of accurate and stable machine tool parameter settings. Compared to traditional on-site machine tool processing and debugging, this reduces the likelihood of human intervention and effectively improves machine tool processing accuracy. It should be noted that the test piece in this embodiment is a copper electrode.

[0048] In one application embodiment, the machine tool preheating operation of this method embodiment includes at least the following steps:

[0049] S211. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode to obtain the processing dimensions of the copper electrode;

[0050] S212. Based on the machine tool characteristic database, automatically obtain the preheating time and spindle speed that match the machining dimensions;

[0051] S213. Preheat the machine tool according to the matched preheating time and spindle speed.

[0052] In some embodiments, based on the tool database of the current machine tool obtained through preprocessing, and in mold machining, matching is performed on the corresponding test tool according to the machining tool that needs to be connected, along with the connection process data of the matched test tool in the tool database. The machining parameters of the machine tool are set according to the connection process data, and a tool setter is used to perform the connection processing of the current machining tool. After the connection processing is completed, the next machining operation is performed directly without the need for manual testing of the connection surface machining effect.

[0053] Specifically, the CNC system works in conjunction with CAM programming software to call different spindle speeds for tool setting and machining. First, the CNC system defines an "M" function with callable parameters. These parameters are then input into the CAM software's post-processing code. By directly selecting the machining program, the system automatically identifies and performs tool setting and machining based on the parameters, thus ensuring the machining accuracy of the copper electrodes. For example, if the system defines parameterized data M66 as a callable parameter, the program output during post-processing is M66 S10000 M03. Tool setting and engagement are then performed based on the spindle speed of S10000, allowing for direct execution of the next machining operation after tool setting and engagement.

[0054] The tool database of this invention, based on the characteristics of the current machine tool and under stable machine tool operation conditions, performs contact processing operations on the test piece using selected test tools of various types according to mold processing requirements. Through detection using high-precision testing instruments such as probes, it analyzes and obtains the contact surface error data for the current machine tool and the current test tool. Based on the obtained error data, repeated testing and verification are performed to obtain reliable, high-precision, and targeted tool contact process data. This tool contact process data is then processed in a modular manner and applied to mold processing programming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tool contact processing. Compared to traditional tool contact processing methods, where the operator judges the tool contact effect by touch or measurement during each tool contact operation and controls and adjusts the tool contact process data, the processing method of this invention is more efficient and reduces reliance on the operator's skill level, as well as on the machine tool's processing accuracy and automation level.

[0055] In one application embodiment, the tool receiving processing operation of this invention includes at least the following steps:

[0056] S221. Obtain the tool parameters of the machining tool to find a matching test tool in the tool database;

[0057] S222. Based on the tool connection process data of the matched test tool, set the tool connection processing parameters of the machine tool to perform tool connection processing;

[0058] S223. After completing the tool receiving process, proceed directly to the next processing step.

[0059] A computer program can be applied to input data to perform the functions described herein, thereby transforming the input data to generate output data stored in non-volatile memory. The output information can also be applied to one or more output devices, such as a display. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transformed data represents physical and tangible objects, including specific visual depictions of physical and tangible objects generated on the display.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention, as long as they achieve the technical effects of the present invention by the same means, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, the technical solutions and / or implementation methods can have various modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for machining copper electrodes for improving precision in molds, the method comprising the following steps: S110. Set up test processing procedures according to machine tool characteristics and processing requirements, and process the test piece using the machine tool according to the test processing procedures; perform process testing on the processed test piece to obtain machine tool characteristics that affect the processing accuracy of the machine tool, and generate a corresponding characteristic database. S120. Establish a tool database according to the mold processing requirements; after the test piece is subjected to roughing, semi-finishing and finishing in sequence, select a test tool from the tool database to perform tool connection processing on the polished surface of the test piece, adjust the process according to the processing effect of the tool connection surface until qualified tool connection process data is obtained, and record and store the corresponding tool connection process data in the tool database; wherein, the tool database includes various types of test tools with different diameters; S210. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode, preheat the area to be processed, and automatically identify and control the machine tool preheating time according to the preset preheating variables; wherein, the preheating variables are obtained according to the machine tool characteristics and through the characteristic database; process the copper electrode according to the mold processing program; S220. When tool connection processing is required, the machine tool's tool connection processing parameters are automatically identified and generated through a preset post-processing program, based on the required machining tool. After the tool connection is completed according to the tool connection processing parameters, the next machining process is directly carried out. The tool connection processing parameters are obtained from the tool database.

2. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The machine tool characteristics include lead screw thermal extension data, spindle thermal elongation data, and machine tool thermal deformation data.

3. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The process testing methods include measurement using a three-axis coordinate measuring machine, marking inspection using a dial indicator, and direct in-machine inspection.

4. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The tool receiving process data includes tool parameters, cutting parameters, and tool path, wherein the cutting parameters include step distance, depth of cut, and spindle speed.

5. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic database includes workpiece dimensions and their corresponding preheating time and preheating spindle speed.

6. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The test piece was made of copper.

7. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein step S210 includes the following steps: S211. Obtain the mold processing program for the copper electrode to obtain the processing dimensions of the copper electrode; S212. Based on the machine tool characteristic database, automatically obtain the preheating time and spindle speed that match the machining dimensions; S213. Preheat the machine tool according to the matched preheating time and spindle speed.

8. The processing method according to claim 1, wherein step S220 includes the following steps: S221. Obtain the tool parameters of the machining tool to obtain a matching test tool from the tool database; S222. Based on the tool connection process data of the matched test tool, set the tool connection processing parameters of the machine tool to perform tool connection processing; S223. After completing the tool receiving process, proceed directly to the next processing step.

9. A CNC machine tool, characterized in that, include: A computer device storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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