Tool head for manufacturing a separation disk and method for manufacturing a separation disk using a tool head

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool head (1) for manufacturing a separating disc (2), the tool head (1) comprising: a ball element (4) configured to be carried on a workpiece (6) to form a separating disc (2) on a rotating mandrel (7); and a holding device (8) for holding the ball element (4); wherein the tool head (1) further comprises a fixing element (10) for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element (4) on the holding device (8). The invention also relates to a method for producing a separating disc (2) using a tool head (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool head for manufacturing a separation disc and a method of manufacturing a separation disc using the tool head. Background Art

[0002] Conical separation discs are used in centrifugal separators. Such separation discs can be made of thin sheet metal and produced by spinning. The separation discs are provided with spacing means in the form of narrow strips or small circles of sheet metal, which are fastened to the separation discs, for example by spot welding, in order to achieve a space between discs stacked one above the other. Alternatively, the separation discs can be provided with integrally formed spacing means.

[0003] A known method of pressing a separating disc with integrally formed protrusions involves flow forming a sheet metal blank or workpiece on a mandrel to produce a separating disc with integrally formed protrusions. The workpiece is pressed onto the mandrel by means of a roller which exerts a high pressure on the workpiece. The mandrel is provided with a recess which, during the rolling of the workpiece, becomes filled with material from the blank.

[0004] When manufacturing separating discs with integrally formed protrusions by rolling the workpiece or rolling the workpiece on a mandrel, the protrusions should exceed a certain height in order to achieve a space between the discs stacked on top of each other. This is achieved by filling the depression in the mandrel during rolling of the workpiece.

[0005] Document EP2886217A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a separation disc, starting from a metal sheet blank having a top side and a bottom side. The metal sheet blank is provided with additional metal material at a position on its top side. The metal sheet blank is aligned so that the position of the additional metal material after the pressing will correspond to a recess in the mandrel, which will be filled after rolling the metal sheet blank by rollers and thus complete the protrusion on the separation disc. Summary of the invention

[0006] A problem with the prior art solution is that the protrusions may not reach a certain height because the method may not completely fill the depressions. Another problem is that the prior art solution uses rollers, which may not satisfactorily complete the separation of the discs. Further problems to be solved are that vibrations may occur when the workpiece is pressed against the mandrel by the rollers, the tool head and the rollers must be replaced when the rollers are worn, and the rollers may cause damage to the tool head due to the large amount of heat generated when the workpiece is pressed against the mandrel by the rollers.

[0007] There is therefore a need for an improved tool and method for producing separating discs by rolling a workpiece on a mandrel.

[0008] Despite the known solutions in the art, it would still be desirable to develop a tool head and method for manufacturing separation discs which overcome or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above identified drawbacks and disadvantages in the prior art and to solve at least the above mentioned problems.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to achieve a tool head and a method for producing a separation disc which satisfactorily complete the separation disc.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to achieve a tool head and a method for producing a separating disk which reduce vibrations which may occur when the workpiece is pressed against the spindle by the tool head.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a tool head and a method for manufacturing separation discs which eliminate the need to replace the entire tool head during maintenance.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a tool head and a method for producing a separation disc, which can dissipate the heat generated during the production of the separation disc away from the tool head.

[0014] These objects are achieved by the above mentioned tool head and method for manufacturing a separation disc according to the appended claims.

[0015] According to a first aspect, a tool head for manufacturing a separation disc is provided, the tool head comprising: a ball element, which is configured to be carried on a workpiece to form a separation disc on a rotating spindle; and a retaining device, which is used to retain the ball element; wherein the tool head also includes a fixing element for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element at the retaining device.

[0016] This tool head for manufacturing a separation disc will satisfactorily complete the separation disc due to the ball element, which is configured to be carried on the workpiece to form the separation disc on the rotating mandrel. Due to the combination of the ball element, the holding device and the fixing element, vibrations that may occur when the workpiece is pressed on the mandrel by the tool head can be reduced. Due to the fixing element that detachably and rotatably arranges the ball element at the holding device, the replacement of the entire tool head during maintenance is eliminated. In addition, the heat generated during the manufacture of the separation disc can be effectively dissipated from the tool head.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a machining tool for manufacturing a separation disc is provided. The machining tool comprises a tool head according to the first aspect and a container for a pressure fluid, which is connected to the tool head via a conduit. The pressure fluid can be oil, that is, the container can include oil that can be delivered to the tool head via a conduit. The machining tool can be, for example, a robot arm. Therefore, the container can also be arranged to pressurize the pressure fluid. The machining tool can be arranged to provide a pressure higher than 300 bar, such as between 300 and 700 bar, such as between 300 and 500 bar, to the ball element of the tool head.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a method for manufacturing a separation disc using a tool head according to claim 1, wherein the tool head comprises: a ball element configured to be carried on a workpiece to form a separation disc on a rotating mandrel; a holding device for holding the ball element; and a fixing element for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element at the holding device; wherein the method comprises the following steps: rotating the mandrel to rotate the workpiece; positioning the tool head so that the ball element is carried on the workpiece; activating fluid pressure on the ball element; and feeding the tool head along the surface of the workpiece to complete the separation disc.

[0019] The method of manufacturing a separation disc using the tool head mentioned above will satisfactorily complete the separation disc due to the ball elements, which are configured to be carried on the workpiece to form the separation disc on the rotating mandrel. Vibrations that may occur when the workpiece is pressed on the mandrel by the tool head can be reduced by this method. In addition, by using this method, the heat generated during the manufacture of the separation disc can be effectively dissipated from the tool head.

[0020] From the following details and through the practice of the invention, the additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention is described below, it is apparent that the present invention may not be limited to the details specifically described. Those skilled in the art, after having the opportunity to obtain the teachings herein, will recognize additional applications, modifications and combinations in other fields, which are within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and further objects and advantages thereof, the detailed description set forth below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent similar items throughout the various figures, and wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a tool head for manufacturing a separation disk on a rotating mandrel according to an example;

[0023] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a side view of a tool head according to an example;

[0024] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled tool head according to an example;

[0025] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a disassembled tool head according to an example;

[0026] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a side view of a disassembled tool head according to an example; and

[0027] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing a separation disc using a tool head according to an example is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The detailed description with reference to the depicted examples should be considered as examples including combinations of certain features that have been described in detail above. It should therefore be understood that additional examples can be achieved by combining other features into examples not depicted herein. The figures should be considered as examples, not mutually exclusive combinations. It should also be noted that all figures shown and described are schematic representations, wherein, for simplicity, common parts of machines or the like are not depicted.

[0029] According to a first aspect, a tool head for manufacturing a separation disk is provided, the tool head comprising: a ball element configured to be carried on a workpiece to form a separation disk on a rotating spindle; and a holding device for holding the ball element; wherein the tool head further comprises a fixing element for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element at the holding device. The tool head can be configured to resist large forces and high pressures. In addition, the tool head can be provided with connection elements for connecting to machining tools, pressurized fluids and electronic devices (such as control devices and sensors). The finished separation disk manufactured by the tool head can have high tolerances and high surface finish. The separation disk can be made of a metal workpiece. The workpiece can be a flat circular metal disk. The finished separation disk can have a truncated cone shape, the cone portion corresponding to the cone shape of the rotating spindle. Therefore, the rotating spindle has a conical shape. The conical shape can correspond to a truncated cone. The rotating spindle can have a conical cover surface. The conical cover surface can be a support surface for the workpiece. The ball element can be a homogeneous sphere or a hollow sphere. The ball element can include a heat dissipation material, such as steel or metal. The ball element may be heat treated and hardened. In order to form the workpiece on the mandrel, the ball element should be carried on the workpiece with greater force and higher pressure. The ball element may be rotatably arranged in the holding device. The fixing element may fix the position of the ball element in the holding device and allow the ball element to rotate relative to the fixing element. The ball element may be detached from the holding device by releasing and removing the fixing element from the holding element. When the fixing element is removed from the holding element, the ball element may be cleaned or replaced.

[0030] The fixing element can be detachably arranged on the holding device by means of a threaded joint. The threaded joint securely and detachably fixes the fixing element on the holding device. By unscrewing the fixing element from the holding device, the ball element can be removed from the holding device. If worn, the removed ball element can be cleaned or replaced. When putting the ball element back into the holding device or installing a new ball element into the holding device, the fixing element is screwed onto the holding device. When the fixing element is screwed onto the holding device, a rotation of the ball element relative to the fixing element and the holding device is allowed.

[0031] The fixing element may include an opening through which a portion of the ball element is configured to protrude. The portion of the ball element protruding from the fixing element is configured to bear on the workpiece to form a separation disc on the rotating spindle. The opening may be circular. The diameter of the circular opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball element. This prevents the ball element from falling out of the circular opening.

[0032] The fixing element may include a gripping element configured to tighten and loosen the fixing element at the holding device. The gripping element can be grasped by hand or with a tool. The gripping element makes it possible to apply a larger torque to the fixing element as needed, both for tightening and loosening the fixing element with the holding device.

[0033] The holding device may comprise a cavity for at least partially accommodating the ball element. The cavity may fix the position of the ball element. The cavity may protect the ball element from external influences outside the holding device. The cavity may be a reservoir for a pressure fluid.

[0034] The holding device may be provided with a first control surface and the fixing element may be provided with a second control surface, the control surface being configured to control the position of the ball element. The control surface may have a convex shape adapted to the spherical shape of the ball element. The control surface may be configured as a plain bearing so that the ball element can slide on the control surface.

[0035] The retaining device may include a fluid channel for providing a pressure fluid on the ball element. The pressure fluid may be arranged on the ball element. The pressure fluid may be arranged at the boundary between the ball element and the control surface. The pressure fluid may create a layer between the ball element and the control surface, which allows the ball element to rotate relative to the control surface. The pressure fluid may also flow on and through the ball element to dissipate heat and lubricate the contact surface between the workpiece and the ball element. The flow of the pressure fluid may also transport any debris away from the ball element. The pressure fluid may be provided to the ball element under high pressure. The pressure of the pressure fluid may be higher than 300 bar, such as between 300 and 700 bar, such as between 300 and 500 bar or in the range of 500 to 700 bar.

[0036] The fluid channel may extend to a cavity for at least partially accommodating the ball element. The cavity may be larger than the ball element so that the cavity acts as a reservoir for pressure fluid behind the ball element. This may provide for applying high pressure on the ball element. Thus, the reservoir for pressure fluid may be a volume opposite to the workpiece being processed by the tool head, i.e., on the other side of the ball element than the workpiece during use of the tool head.

[0037] The fixed element may include at least one outlet channel for the pressure fluid. The outlet channel may be positioned so that the pressure fluid passes through the ball element and the control surface. The outlet channel may be positioned in the second control surface of the fixed element. The outlet channel is configured to open in the outer surface of the fixed element. A plurality of outlet channels may be arranged in the second control surface. The outlet channels may be placed at equal distances from each other so as to distribute the pressure fluid equally on the ball element and the control surface.

[0038] The ball element can be made of a heat dissipating material. If the ball element is made of a heat dissipating material, the heat generated during the manufacture of the separation disc can be effectively dissipated from the tool head and the ball element. This heat dissipating material can be steel or metal.

[0039] The ball element may have a spherical shape with a diameter D in the range of 10 to 40 mm, and preferably in the range of 15 to 30 mm. Ball elements with such a diameter D can effectively and satisfactorily complete the separation discs. Ball elements with such a diameter D can completely fill the recesses in the surface of the spindle, so that protrusions exceeding a certain height are generated, which create spaces between the discs stacked on top of each other.

[0040] The tool head is configured to be connected to a machining tool, and the machining tool is connected to a control device. Therefore, as one aspect of the present invention, a machining tool for manufacturing a separation disc is provided. The machining tool comprises a tool and a container for a pressure fluid, which is connected to the tool head via a conduit. The pressure fluid can be oil, that is, the container can include oil that can be delivered to the tool head via a conduit. The machining tool can be, for example, a robot arm. The machining tool can be configured to be controlled by a control device. The machining tool can be a robot arm. During the rotation of the spindle and the workpiece, the ball element is pressed against the workpiece, and rotates or rolls against the workpiece due to friction, and is axially guided along the support surface and at a selected distance from the support surface, so that the workpiece gradually moves along a spiral path to abut against the support surface of the spindle. This movement of the tool head and the ball element can be controlled by the control device.

[0041] According to one aspect, a method for manufacturing a separation disc using a tool head according to the first aspect claim is provided, wherein the tool head comprises: a ball element configured to be carried on a workpiece to form a separation disc on a rotating spindle; a holding device for holding the ball element; and a fixing element for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element at the holding device; wherein the method comprises the following steps: rotating the spindle to rotate the workpiece; positioning the tool head so that the ball element is carried on the workpiece; activating fluid pressure on the ball element; and feeding the tool head along the surface of the workpiece to complete the separation disc. Rotating the spindle to rotate the workpiece can be performed by a motor. The motor can be an electric motor. The motor can be connected to a control device. The control device can control the speed and torque of the motor. Positioning the tool head so that the ball element is carried on the workpiece includes positioning the ball element of the tool head so that it is carried with a certain pressure and abuts on a side of the workpiece that faces away from the support surface of the spindle. At the beginning of the process, the workpiece can be placed on the spindle so that a part of the workpiece is arranged at a certain distance from the support surface of the spindle. The pressure from the ball element of the tool head acts on the workpiece to shape the part of the workpiece arranged at a distance from the support surface of the mandrel, so that the workpiece will present a shape similar to the conical shape of the mandrel. The fluid pressure on the activating ball element can include providing a pressure fluid through a fluid channel in a retaining device. The pressure of the pressure fluid can be higher than 300 bar, such as between 300 and 700 bar, such as between 300 and 500 bar or in the range of 500 to 700 bar. The pressure fluid can produce a layer between the ball element and the control surface, which allows the ball element to rotate relative to the control surface. The surface feeding tool head along the workpiece includes a ball element that guides the tool head axially along the support surface and at a selected distance from the support surface to complete the separation disk, so that the workpiece gradually moves along a spiral path to abut against the support surface. The force from the ball element will move the material from the workpiece to the support surface and enter the groove in the support surface. When the ball element is pressed against the workpiece and moves along the support surface, the separation disk will be complete and completed by the rolling of the workpiece with the help of the ball element and the mandrel, wherein there is a spacing component on the bottom side of the separation disk.

[0042] The step of positioning the tool head so that the ball element bears on the workpiece may comprise controlling the orientation of the holding device so that the centre line of the holding device is parallel to the normal of the surface of the finished separation disc. When the centre line of the holding device is parallel to the normal of the surface of the finished separation disc and thus to the normal of the support surface of the spindle, the ball element may apply high pressure to the workpiece.

[0043] The method may further comprise the step of determining the state of the ball element. A vibration sensor may be arranged at the tool head. The vibration sensor may detect vibrations emitted by the ball element during rotation on the workpiece. The vibration sensor may be connected to the control device.

[0044] The method may further include the step of replacing the ball element by removing the fixing element and disassembling the ball element based on the determined state of the ball element. The state of the ball element may be determined based on vibrations generated during rotation of the ball element on the workpiece. The vibration sensor may detect the vibrations. When the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibrations reaches a certain level, the ball element may be replaced. The control device may be configured to send an alarm to an operator indicating that the ball element should be replaced. The operator removes the fixing element and disassembles the ball element. Thereafter, the operator replaces the ball element with a new ball element.

[0045] The present disclosure will now be further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a side view of a tool head 1 for manufacturing a separation disc 2 on a rotating spindle 7 according to an example. The tool head 1 comprises a ball element 4, which is configured to be carried on a workpiece 6 of the separation disc 2. The tool head 1 also comprises a holding device 8 ( Figure 3 ) and a fixing element 10 for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element 4 on the retaining device 8.

[0047] The spindle 7 comprises a frustoconical support surface 9 which may comprise recesses 11 corresponding to the spacing features on the finished separation disc 2. The workpiece 6 is firmly abutted against said spindle 7 at one axial end 15 of the conical support surface 9 transversely to the geometric axis 13 and the spindle 7 and the workpiece 6 are rotated at the same speed about the geometric axis 13. A motor 17 connected to the spindle 7 is arranged to rotate the spindle 7.

[0048] The ball element 4 of the tool head 1 bears and bears with a certain pressure against the side of the workpiece 6 facing away from the support surface 9 of the spindle 7. During the rotation of the spindle 7 and the workpiece 6, the ball element 4 is pressed against the workpiece 6 and rotates or rolls against the workpiece 6 due to friction and is axially guided along the support surface 9 and at a selected distance from the support surface 9 so that the workpiece 6 gradually moves along a spiral path to bear against the support surface 9 with a force that causes material from the workpiece 6 to move onto the support surface 9 and into the said groove 11 in the support surface 9. When the ball element 4 is pressed against the workpiece 6 and moves along the support surface 9, the separation disc 2 will be completed by rolling of the workpiece 6 with the aid of the ball element 4 and the spindle 7, wherein there are spacing parts on the bottom side of the separation disc 2.

[0049] The tool head 1 may be positioned with the ball element 4 bearing on the workpiece 6 so that the centerline 30 of the holding device 8 is parallel to the normal N of the surface 28 of the finished separation disc 2. The normal N of the surface 28 of the finished separation disc 2 is parallel to the normal NS of the support surface 9 of the spindle 7.

[0050] Figure 2A side view of a tool head according to an example is schematically shown. The tool head 1 can be configured to be connected to a machining tool 32, such as a robot arm. A control device 100 can be connected to the machining tool 32 for controlling the movement of the machining tool 32. In addition, the control device 100 can be configured to determine the state of the ball element 4. The pressure fluid 25 can be supplied to the tool head 1 from a container 27, which is fluidly connected to the tool head 1 via a conduit 29. The control device 100 can also control the motor 17 ( Figure 1 ) rotation speed and torque. The vibration sensor 33 can be arranged at the tool head.

[0051] Figure 3-5 The tool head 1 is schematically shown in different views. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the assembled tool head 1 is disclosed in a cross-sectional view. Figure 4 In FIG, a disassembled tool head 1 is disclosed in a cross-sectional view. Figure 5 , a disassembled tool head 1 is disclosed in a side view. When assembled, the fixing element 10 is detachably arranged on the holding device 8 via a threaded joint 12. The fixing element 10 comprises an opening 14, through which a part of the ball element 4 is configured to protrude. The fixing element 10 comprises a gripping element 16, which is configured to tighten and loosen the fixing element 10 at the holding device 8.

[0052] The holding device 8 comprises a cavity 18, which is at least partially configured to accommodate the ball element 4. The holding device 8 is provided with a first control surface 20, and the fixing element 10 is provided with a second control surface 22, the control surfaces 20, 22 being configured to control the position of the ball element 4. Furthermore, the holding device 8 comprises a fluid channel 24 for providing a pressure fluid 25 on the ball element 4 (see Figure 2 The fixing element 10 comprises at least one outlet channel 26 for the pressure fluid 25 .

[0053] The ball element 4 may have a spherical shape, and its diameter D is in the range of 10 to 40 mm, and preferably in the range of 15 to 30 mm. Further, the ball element 4 may be made of a heat dissipation material.

[0054] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing a separation disc using a tool head according to an example is shown. The method involves using Figure 1-5 The method comprises the following steps: rotating s101 the spindle 7 to rotate the workpiece 6; positioning s102 the tool head 1 so that the ball element 4 bears on the workpiece 6; activating s103 the fluid pressure on the ball element 4; and feeding s104 the tool head 1 along the surface 28 of the workpiece 6 to complete the separation disc 2.

[0055] The step of positioning s102 the tool head 1 so that the ball element 4 bears on the workpiece 6 comprises controlling the orientation of the holding means 8 so that the centre line 30 of the holding means 8 is parallel to the normal N of the surface 28 of the finished separating disc 2 .

[0056] The method comprises the further step of determining s105 the state of the ball element 4 .

[0057] The method comprises the further step of replacing s106 the ball element 4 by removing the fixing element 10 and disassembling the ball element 4 based on the determined state of the ball element 4 .

[0058] The above description of the embodiments is provided for illustration and description purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the variations described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention in terms of its various embodiments and various modifications applicable to its intended use. Within the framework of the present disclosure, the components and features specifically described above may be combined between the different embodiments specifically described.

Claims

1. A tool head (1) for manufacturing a separation disc (2), the tool head (1) comprising: a ball element (4) configured to be carried on a workpiece (6) to form the separation disc (2) on a rotating spindle (7); as well as A retaining device (8) for retaining the ball element (4); The tool head (1) further comprises a fixing element (10) for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element (4) on the holding device (8).

2. The tool head (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing element (10) is detachably arranged on the holding device (8) via a threaded connection (12).

3. The tool head (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The fixing element (10) comprises an opening (14) through which a portion of the ball element (4) is configured to protrude.

4. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing element (10) comprises a gripping element (16) which is configured to tighten and loosen the fixing element (10) at the holding device (8).

5. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining device (8) comprises a cavity (18) for at least partially accommodating the ball element (4).

6. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining device (8) is provided with a first control surface (20) and the fixing element (10) is provided with a second control surface (22), the control surfaces (20, 22) being configured to control the position of the ball element (4).

7. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining device (8) comprises a fluid channel (24) for providing a pressurized fluid (25) on the ball element (4).

8. The tool head (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The fixing element (10) comprises at least one outlet channel (26) for the pressure fluid (25).

9. The tool head (1) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein: The fluid passage (24) extends to the cavity (18), and wherein the cavity (18) is larger than the ball element (4), so that the cavity (18) acts as a reservoir for pressure fluid behind the ball element (4).

10. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ball element (4) is made of heat dissipation material.

11. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ball element (4) has a spherical shape with a diameter D in the range of 10 to 40 mm, and preferably in the range of 15 to 30 mm.

12. The tool head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tool head (1) is configured to be connected to a machining tool (32), the machining tool (32) is connected to a control device (100), and wherein the machining tool (32) is configured to be controlled by the control device (100).

13. A machining tool (32) for manufacturing a separation disc (2), comprising - A tool head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and - A container (27) for a pressure fluid, which is fluidically connected to the tool head (1) via a conduit (29).

14. A method for manufacturing a separation disc (2) using a tool head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a machining tool according to claim 13, wherein: The tool head (1) comprises: a ball element (4) configured to be carried on a workpiece (6) to form a separation disc (2) on a rotating spindle (7); a retaining device (8) for retaining the ball element (4); and a fixing element (10) for detachably and rotatably arranging the ball element (4) on the holding device (8); Wherein, the method comprises the following steps: Rotating (s101) the spindle (7) to rotate the workpiece (6); positioning (s102) the tool head (1) so that the ball element (4) bears on the workpiece (6); activating (s103) fluid pressure on the ball element (4); and The tool head (1) is fed (s104) along the surface (28) of the workpiece (6) to complete the separation disc (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of positioning (s102) the tool head (1) so that the ball element (4) bears on the workpiece (6) comprises controlling the orientation of the retaining device (8) so that the center line (30) of the retaining device (8) is parallel to the normal (N) of the surface (28) of the finished separation disc (2).

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