CNC machine, drive and method for machining a workpiece

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a CNC machine for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding. The CNC machine comprises a workpiece support (101) which can be moved on a plane along an x axis and a y axis. The CNC machine comprises, at least for movement along the x axis, two synchronously moving drives and a counterbalance which moves in the opposite direction.

Description

[0001] CNC MACHINE, DRIVE, AND METHOD FOR MACHINING A WORKPIECE

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a CNC machine. In particular, the invention relates to a CNC machine used for extreme high-speed laser cladding (EHLA). The invention further relates to a method for machining a workpiece, in particular for producing additively produced structures on an existing workpiece.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] In extreme high-speed laser cladding (EHLA), unlike selective laser melting, no particles are selectively melted in a bath. Instead, the EHLA process uses a nozzle with a central laser channel. The powder to be processed is fed through channels arranged at an angle in the nozzle or through an annular channel in such a way that the escaping powder intersects with the laser beam. This heats the powder almost to its melting point. At the same time, the laser melts the surface of the workpiece, which the powder hits and welds to the surface. This process has the advantage of very high feed speeds, which can be in the range of several hundred meters / min with a layer thickness of 25 microns.As a result, the surface of the workpiece is only heated to a small depth, which reduces thermally induced stresses in the material.

[0007] The EHLA process also allows for the processing of otherwise unweldable metals. It allows for thin coating thicknesses, gas-tight material deposition, and an amorphous crystal structure.

[0008] In addition to coating workpieces, the EHLA process is also suitable for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional structures. A particular advantage is that, unlike selective laser melting, hardly any powder residue is produced that requires disposal or processing.

[0009] A problem with the EHLA process, especially when used as an additive manufacturing process, is that, due to the thin layer thickness, high feed rates are necessary to produce components at an appropriate speed. As described above, the EHL A process has the advantage of being suitable for very high feed rates. However, the problem is that, at least when manufacturing non-rotationally symmetrical bodies, the high feed rates also cause correspondingly high accelerations when changing the direction of movement of the workpiece to be manufactured or the CNC machine used.

[0010] The published patent application WO 2019 / 243418 A1 (inventor Oliver Schulte) shows a CNC machine comprising three columns over which a workpiece can be moved on three axes. With such a CNC machine, speeds of at least 200 m / min and maximum accelerations of up to 50 m / s can be achieved. 2 to reach.

[0011] Object of the invention

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a CNC machine, in particular for use in the EHL A process, which has improved kinematics and with which high feed rates and high accelerations are possible and / or in which additional machining heads can be integrated for hybrid component production.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the invention is already achieved by a CNC machine and by a method for machining a workpiece according to one of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a CNC machine designed for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding, comprising a workpiece carrier which is movable on a plane in an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the CNC machine comprises at least one drive for movement in the x-axis, which drive is arranged on a carriage which in turn is movable via a gantry drive for movement in the y-axis, wherein the drive for movement in the x-axis comprises a balancing mass moving in the opposite direction to the drive, and wherein a drive is arranged on the carriage, via which drive the workpiece carrier can be rotated about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane, and wherein the carriage can be rotated by at least 90° on a c-axis lying in or parallel to the xy-plane.According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding, in particular by means of a CNC machine as described above, wherein the workpiece is moved at least in an x-direction relative to a machining tool via a drive for an x-axis, wherein before and / or during a necessary change of direction the movement in the x-direction is at least partially replaced by the combination of a rotation about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane and a linear movement in the y-direction.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a CNC machine, i.e. a machine tool, which, through the use of control technology, produces workpieces with high precision and, in particular, can also produce complex shapes.

[0016] The CNC machine is intended in particular for an additive machining tool, in particular for a machining head using the EHL A process. Within the meaning of the invention, however, the CNC machine can also be used for subtractive processes, in particular using a laser.

[0017] The CNC machine comprises a workpiece carrier that is movable on a plane along an x- and y-axis. The xy-plane can, in particular, be a horizontally oriented plane.

[0018] The workpiece carrier can therefore be moved linearly in the x-direction and linearly in the y-direction. This creates an xy-plane on which the workpiece carrier can be moved. The CNC machine includes at least one drive for movement along the x-axis. This can be designed, in particular, as a linear motor.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the CNC machine comprises two synchronously moving drives at least for movement in the x-axis.

[0020] These drives move synchronously in one direction during movement. The CNC machine also includes at least one balancing mass that moves in the opposite direction to the drive for movement in the x-direction.

[0021] The balancing mass of the x-axis moves in the opposite direction to the workpiece carrier.

[0022] The CNC machine can also include a counterweight for movement in the y-axis. The y-axis counterweight moves at an angle of 90° to the x-axis, opposite to the y-axis movement in the y-direction.

[0023] This at least partially cancels out acceleration and braking forces, thus enabling high accelerations and speeds with minimal vibration. According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one balancing mass of the x-axis and / or the y-axis has a mass that corresponds to that of the workpiece carrier plus the drive components coupled to the workpiece carrier by + / - 70%, preferably + / - 50%.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the CNC machine has two counterweights. One for the x-axis as the counterweight to the workpiece carrier and product. The other for the y-axis with a counterweight equal to the weight of the entire x-axis, possibly including the rotational axis a of the workpiece carrier (described below).

[0025] The CNC machine includes, in particular, a fast x-axis. This can preferably move the workpiece carrier at a speed of at least 50 m / s 2 , especially with 50 - 200 m / s 2accelerate. Feed rates of at least 100 m / min, especially 100 - 400 m / min, are possible.

[0026] The synchronously moving drives can in particular be linear motors.

[0027] In particular, it is intended to use linear motors in which the secondary part is moved. The secondary part comprises the permanent magnet(s) and is connected to the workpiece carrier directly, in particular via a plate and / or an inner housing, or indirectly via force transmission elements.

[0028] In particular, the secondary part can be connected to the workpiece carrier via at least one belt.

[0029] The secondary part and thus the workpiece carrier can be moved via a primary part designed as a long stator.

[0030] The long stator can be divided into segments. This allows for at least one segment to be switched off if movement isn't required across the entire length of the axis. This allows for energy-saving operation.

[0031] The synchronous movement of the drives can be provided in particular via a traction mechanism transmission.

[0032] The traction mechanism can be designed, for example, as at least one belt, in particular a toothed belt, and / or as a circulating belt.

[0033] The linear motors each engage one side of the traction mechanism, and the balancing mass engages the opposite side, particularly at the top and bottom. Thus, the side of the traction mechanism opposite the workpiece carrier serves as a balancing mass for the workpiece carrier, whereby forces from acceleration and / or braking processes are at least partially canceled out by opposing masses.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the drives are enclosed by a belt that moves with the workpiece carrier. This belt can be a metal belt, especially made of spring steel.

[0035] The belt can serve as a traction device or part of a traction device and at the same time as a housing for at least the components of the x- and / or y-axis drive.

[0036] In particular, the belt can run on one, preferably two belts, in particular toothed belts.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, the workpiece carrier is rotatable about an a-axis perpendicular to the xy-plane.

[0038] The workpiece carrier can in particular be designed as a turntable.

[0039] The drive used for this purpose can in particular be arranged between the synchronously moving drives. In particular, the drive can be arranged within the traction means, e.g. in an inner housing which can be moved in the x-direction. This drive for the drive referred to as the a-axis in the sense of the invention is preferably a torque drive. With a torque drive, quite high accelerations and thus high speeds can also be achieved. The synchronously moving drives can, as provided in one embodiment of the invention, be part of a carriage which in turn can be moved via a drive for the y-axis.

[0040] In particular, it is envisaged that the core of the CNC machine is formed by a carriage with a traction mechanism, which has a drive for the x-axis. The carriage can also include the drive for the a-axis.

[0041] The carriage itself can be connected, preferably on two opposite sides, via an arm, for example, to a drive for the y-axis.

[0042] When moving along the y-axis, the entire carriage moves in the y-direction. The y-axis drive therefore only allows lower accelerations and speeds than the x-axis drive.

[0043] The y-axis has to move heavier loads than the x-axis. Its own weight alone is significantly higher. The advantage of a gantry system for the y-axis with two drive trains is the higher system performance. However, the energy consumption is many times higher than for the x-axis. Therefore, the x-axis should primarily perform rapid workpiece movements. The additional a-axis allows the workpiece carrier to be controlled so that machining can be performed primarily by movement along the x-axis.

[0044] The y-drive can, in particular, be a gantry drive. The opposing y-drives can, in particular, be designed as linear motors, preferably with a moving secondary part.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, a z-axis within the meaning of the invention is provided in that a carrier for a processing tool, in particular a laser, is movable along a z-axis perpendicular to the xy plane. The z-axis can, in particular, be arranged vertically.

[0046] The z-axis, for example, is used to gradually increase the laser speed when manufacturing a workpiece layer by layer using an additive manufacturing process. The accelerations and velocities occurring on the z-axis are therefore lower than those of the other axes of the CNC machine described above.

[0047] In the context of hybrid machining, additional machining heads can be mounted either on a positionable carriage together with the first machining head or on independently movable carriages. These can, in particular, comprise a machining tool with a welding head, a cutting head, and / or a polishing head. The carriages with the machining heads mounted thereon are driven or manually adjustable, are preferably movable parallel to the x-axis, and can be fixed in a fixed working position.

[0048] Furthermore, it is possible to synchronously include slides with drives and the machining heads mounted on them in the machining of a workpiece on the travel path parallel to the x-axis.

[0049] This allows the speeds in the x-direction to be added together during counter-rotating movements. This increases the speed, which is particularly advantageous when machining large workpieces.

[0050] Furthermore, multiple machining heads can be moved to different working positions, enabling different work steps simply by moving the X-slide to the respective working position. This can significantly reduce throughput times, especially in the production of series parts.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to a CNC machine, in particular with one or more features described above.

[0052] The CNC machine comprises a workpiece carrier that is movable on a carriage along an x-axis and a y-axis, with the y-axis movement being generated by a movement of the carriage itself. According to the invention, the workpiece carrier is rotatable about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane.

[0053] The additional a-axis makes it possible to rotate the workpiece while moving it along the x-axis. The x-axis, which is faster than the other axes, can thus be used preferentially, for example, to weld a particle track.

[0054] However, it is also possible to at least partially replace a movement in the x-direction with a superimposed rotation around the a-axis and a movement along the y-axis. For the purposes of the invention, a distinction is made between a movement in the x- or y-direction and a movement along the x- or y-axis. Thus, the x-drive always moves in the x-direction, and the y-drive always moves in the y-direction.

[0055] However, a movement of the workpiece in the x-direction is also possible by rotating the workpiece carrier along the a-axis and compensating for the circular path that normally results from this by a correspondingly controlled movement of the drive for the y-axis.

[0056] The movement in the x-direction via the a- and y-axes makes it possible to accelerate or decelerate the drive for the x-axis during this equivalent movement without changing the feed rate.

[0057] For example, the x-drive can be braked before reaching a point where a change in the direction of movement is required.

[0058] The a-axis drive benefits from the fact that, especially when integrated into the x-axis carriage, it has to move the smallest mass compared to the other drives (with the exception of the z-axis drive). Designed as a torque drive, the a-axis drive can achieve high accelerations and speeds.

[0059] The invention further relates to a drive, in particular for the CNC machine described above.

[0060] The drive comprises a carriage on which a workpiece carrier can be moved linearly along an x-axis. The carriage is enclosed by a belt that moves with the workpiece carrier and preferably serves as a traction device.

[0061] Furthermore, a drive is arranged in the carriage to rotate the workpiece carrier around an a-axis.

[0062] In particular, the drive can further be designed as described above with reference to the CNC machine.

[0063] The invention further relates to a method for machining a workpiece. In particular, the invention relates to a method in which the CNC machine described above is used.

[0064] The workpiece is processed, in particular, using a laser deposition welding process. The workpiece is moved relative to a processing tool, in particular a laser, at least in one x-direction via an x-axis drive.

[0065] According to the invention, before and / or during a necessary change of direction, the movement in the x-direction by the drive for the x-axis is at least partially replaced by the combination of a rotation about an a-axis perpendicular to a yx-axis and a linear movement in the y-direction.

[0066] During this equivalent movement, the x-drive can be accelerated or decelerated, preferably without changing the feed rate.

[0067] The x-axis, which is faster than the other axes, can therefore be used preferentially to achieve the desired feed rate.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the method, it is particularly possible for the machining tool to machine the workpiece even when the direction of movement is changed, in particular by at least 30°, preferably by 90°.

[0069] However, in the sense of the invention, it is also possible for the workpiece to move past the machining tool, particularly in the case of abrupt changes in the direction of movement.

[0070] For example, the laser can be temporarily switched off, and the drive, especially for the x-axis, can be slowed down and accelerated in the opposite direction. The laser is then switched back on when the workpiece, possibly brought into the correct orientation by the a-axis drive, returns to the processing zone.

[0071] The invention further relates to a CNC machine, in particular with the features described above.

[0072] The CNC machine comprises a workpiece carrier which is movable along an x-axis and a y-axis on an xy-plane, wherein the workpiece carrier is pivotable on a c-axis lying parallel to the x-y-plane, in particular in the xy-plane.

[0073] In particular, the workpiece carrier can be pivoted by 180°, with another workpiece carrier being arranged on a side opposite the workpiece carrier. The CNC machine therefore has, in particular, a pivot axis c, with which the x-axis can be rotated with the a-axis mounted on the slide about a rotation axis, i.e., the xa drive, parallel to the direction of travel of the x-axis. Preferably, pivot angles of at least + / -90° are possible. 0 , especially from +185° to -185°. The C-axis allows the workpiece to be turned sideways and machined on the side.

[0074] The c-axis can be formed by rotatable bearings of the connecting pieces of the xa-axis to the slides of the y-axes and by rotary motors, preferably torque motors, on at least one side of the xa-axis.

[0075] The entire xa drive can be turned upside down, so to speak.

[0076] By rotating the c-axis by 180°, a slide plate of the xa drive, which serves as a counterweight, can be rotated into the machining position and enables a second machining platform.

[0077] Furthermore, the c-axis can also be integrated into the motion sequence when machining a workpiece. Depending on the machining point, the distance between the head of the machining tool and the workpiece can also be adjusted via the c-axis.

[0078] Brief description of the drawings

[0079] The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment using the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 12.

[0080] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a CNC machine according to the invention.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows the CNC machine with the housing removed.

[0082] Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 are perspective views of the drive components for the y-axis.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows the drive for the x- and a-axis designed as a slide.

[0084] Fig. 7 Fig. 8 are perspective views of the xa drive without the belt and side walls.

[0085] Fig. 9 is a central cross-section of the xa drive.

[0086] The steps of the method according to the invention are explained with reference to the schematic representation according to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12.

[0087] Detailed description of the drawings

[0088] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a CNC machine 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0089] The CNC machine 10 comprises a housing 11. The housing 11 can, for example, provide an exhaust system, an inert gas atmosphere, and / or explosion protection. The CNC machine 10 comprises a workpiece carrier 101, which is moved relative to a machining tool 12b by means of the CNC machine 10.

[0090] In this illustration, a total of three processing tools 12a - 12c are present. The processing tools 12a - 12c can, for example, include a laser and a particle feeder for laser deposition welding.

[0091] The provision of several machining tools 12a - 12c enables a versatile use of the CNC machine 10. In particular, for example, different materials can be additively applied to a workpiece by means of the various machining tools 12a - 12c.

[0092] Fig. 2 shows the CNC machine 10 with the housing removed.

[0093] The different axes of movement are marked.

[0094] The CNC machine 10 includes an xa drive 100 as its central component. The xa drive 100 is designed as a carriage on which the workpiece carrier 101 is arranged. The workpiece carrier 101 can be moved in the x-direction via the carriage itself. Furthermore, the workpiece carrier 101 is rotatable about the vertically aligned a-axis.

[0095] The movement in the y-direction is made possible by the y-drive 200, which is designed as a gantry drive.

[0096] In this embodiment, the xy plane is a horizontal plane.

[0097] The y-drive 200 moves the entire xa-drive 100, which is designed as a slide, in the y-direction.

[0098] A movement of the workpiece relative to the machining tool 12a - 12c along the z-axis is provided by the machining tools 12a - 12c being linearly movable along the z-axis.

[0099] Furthermore, several machining tools 12a - 12c are arranged on a rail 13, so that they can be used alternatively by the CNC machine 10 without the need to exchange them for another tool.

[0100] Furthermore, the y-drive 200 is coupled to the xa-drive 100 via a c-drive 300.

[0101] The xa drive can be pivoted via the c drive, in particular turned over so that the workpiece carrier 101 points downwards.

[0102] An additional workpiece carrier can be arranged on the side of the xa drive 100 opposite the workpiece carrier 101. This additional workpiece carrier can serve as a balancing mass. Furthermore, the c-axis can also be used to control the movement of the workpiece relative to the respective machining tool 12a-12c.

[0103] The workpiece carrier 101 can therefore be moved linearly relative to the machining tool 12b via the x-, y- and z-axes.

[0104] The a-axis is a rotation axis, preferably around a central axis of the workpiece carrier 101. The c-axis is a pivot axis parallel to the xy plane. In this embodiment, the c-axis runs parallel to the x-axis and perpendicular to the y-axis.

[0105] The xa drive can be rotated 180° via the c-axis.

[0106] In this embodiment, the processing tools 12a - 12c comprise a laser nozzle 14, via which a powder, in particular a metal powder, can be applied to the workpiece by means of laser deposition welding.

[0107] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one side of the y-drive 200, from the left side in Fig. 2.

[0108] The y-drive 200 is designed as a linear motor. It comprises the primary part 201. The secondary part 202, which is moved via the primary part 201, is connected to a belt 203.

[0109] The belt 203 is coupled via deflection pulleys 204 to the c-drive 300 shown in Fig. 4.

[0110] Fig. 4 shows the opposite side of the y-drive 200 to Fig. 3.

[0111] The secondary part 202 as well as the c-drive 300 and the components coupled to the c-drive 300 therefore move in opposite directions when the y-drive moves.

[0112] The c-drive and the carriage connected to the c-drive with the ax-drive thus move in opposite directions due to the coupling via belt 203. The acceleration forces, which are thus at least partially canceled out, reduce the vibrations caused by the c-drive.

[0113] The c-drive 300 is designed as a carriage that runs along the rails 205 and is moved by the belt 203. This provides movement along the y-axis. The carriage of the c-drive moves in the opposite direction to the secondary part of the y-drive (202 in Fig. 3).

[0114] On the c-drive 300, designed as a carriage, there is a swivel drive 302, via which a connecting arm 301 can be swiveled to reverse the xa-drive. In this embodiment, the c-axis drive serves both as a bearing and as a drive. The swivel drive 302 does not need to reach high speeds. The swivel drive 302 can therefore be designed, for example, as an electric motor with a gearbox, or as a torque motor or other direct drive.

[0115] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the y-drive 200 of the right side according to Fig. 2. This is designed in a mirror image like the drive according to Fig. 4.

[0116] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the xa drive 100. The xa drive 100 is designed as a carriage and includes the workpiece carrier 101 on an upper side.

[0117] The carriage is formed by the side walls 103 and the circulating belt 102. Circulating belt 102 and side walls 103 form a substantially closed housing in which the a-drive for the workpiece carrier 101 is located. A seal, for example a felt seal (not shown), can be arranged between the circulating belt 102 and the side walls 103.

[0118] The circulating belt 102 moves together with the workpiece carrier 101 in the x-direction.

[0119] Fig. 7 shows the xa drive 100 in a perspective view without the belt and the side walls.

[0120] The xa drive comprises linear motors with the secondary parts 104, which are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the carriage.

[0121] The secondary parts 104 move synchronously.

[0122] A plate 118 with the rotatable workpiece carrier 101 is connected to the secondary parts. The plate 118 is part of an inner housing (113 in Fig. 9), which is moved along the rails 116 in the x-direction.

[0123] Furthermore, the workpiece carrier is connected to two belts 105, which run parallel to each other over rollers 106. The rollers 106 can be designed as gears. A belt 105 can run on each roller 106, which in turn guides the belt (102 in Fig. 6). The belts 105 can be designed as toothed belts.

[0124] The primary parts 112 for the x-drive are each designed as a long stator and extend from roller 106 to roller 106.

[0125] The torque drive for the a-axis is arranged between the linear motors with the secondary parts 104. A cable harness 107 for the torque drive also extends between the two linear motors.

[0126] Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the xa drive 100.

[0127] The belts 105 serve as traction means and extend around the rollers 106. A balancing mass 117 is arranged on the side opposite the workpiece carrier 101.

[0128] The balancing mass 117 is connected to the belts 105.

[0129] If the workpiece carrier 101 with the secondary parts 104 is moved in the x-direction, the balancing mass 117 moves in the opposite direction and serves as a counterweight. Since the carriage can be rotated 180° about the c-axis, the balancing mass can also include functional components, such as an additional workpiece carrier (not shown).

[0130] Fig. 9 is a central cross-section of the xa-drive 100.

[0131] The two linear motors of the drive are arranged on the edge side, each comprising a secondary part 104 and a primary part 112.

[0132] The primary part 112 is designed as a long stator. The primary part 112 is mounted on the outside of an inner housing 113.

[0133] The secondary part 104 is connected to the plate 118 on which the workpiece carrier 101 is arranged.

[0134] The secondary parts 104 are guided on rails 109. The secondary parts are connected to the inner housing, which is guided on rails 116 via plate 118. Rails 116 and 119 are perpendicular to each other in cross-section. The remaining degree of freedom for the inner housing 113, along with the secondary parts 114, and the workpiece carrier 101, along with the a-drive, is the x-axis, oriented perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane.

[0135] The inner housing 113 forms a space 114 which serves to accommodate the torque drive 108 for the a-axis.

[0136] The workpiece carrier 101 is moved around its central axis via the torque drive 108. The bearing 110 is designed as a pivot bearing for this purpose. When the workpiece carrier 101 is moved, the torque drive 108 moves in the x-direction within the inner housing 113.

[0137] The balancing mass 117 arranged on the side opposite the workpiece carrier 102 is connected to the belts 105 and moves in the opposite direction to the secondary parts.

[0138] Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 illustrate, by means of a schematic representation, the method steps according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0139] Shown schematically in Fig. 10 is the workpiece carrier 101, which is moved in the x-direction via the xa drive.

[0140] The working point 15 of a machining tool, such as a laser deposition welding tool, therefore moves on the workpiece in the opposite direction relative to the workpiece. In this illustrative example, a square shape 16 is to be moved along the workpiece.

[0141] As the working point approaches the corner of mold 16, with a movement purely along the x- and y-axes, the x-drive would have to be stopped and then moved in the y-direction. This would lead to undesirable fluctuations in the feed rate. Furthermore, such an abrupt deceleration from a high feed rate is hardly possible. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the movement of the workpiece and thus the movement of the working point 15 in the x-direction is at least partially replaced by a superimposed rotation along the a-axis and a movement along the y-axis. The movement along the x-axis can now be decelerated.

[0142] The workpiece is rotated and then, as shown in Fig. 12, moved further via the x-drive to complete the next side of the square.

[0143] This allows for the predominant use of the x-axis, which is faster than the other axes. Furthermore, the deceleration and acceleration processes of the x-drive can be slowed down, or the feed rate can be made more consistent.

[0144] Instead of changing direction at the reversal point, the machining tool can also be switched off when leaving the contour of Form 16. Braking of the movement in the x-direction and rotation along the a-axis can be performed with the machining tool switched off outside the contour of Form 16.

[0145] The invention made it possible to provide a flexible CNC machine which, in particular, enables very high feed rates.

[0146] List of reference symbols

[0147] 10 CNC machines

[0148] 11 housings

[0149] 12a- 12c editing tool

[0150] 13 Rail

[0151] 14 Laser nozzle

[0152] 15 operating point

[0153] 16 Shape

[0154] 100 xa- drive

[0155] 101 workpiece carriers

[0156] 102 volumes

[0157] 103 pages

[0158] 104 Secondary part

[0159] 105 belts

[0160] 106 roll

[0161] 107 Wiring harness

[0162] 108 Torque drive

[0163] 109 Guide rail

[0164] 110 warehouses

[0165] 112 Primary part

[0166] 113 inner casing

[0167] 114 Room

[0168] 116 Rail

[0169] 117 Leveling compound

[0170] 118 plate

[0171] 200 y-drive

[0172] 201 Primary Part

[0173] 202 Secondary part

[0174] 203 belts

[0175] 204 pulley

[0176] 205 Rail

[0177] 300 c- drive

[0178] 301 connecting arm

[0179] 302 rotary actuator

Claims

Claims:

1. CNC machine for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding, comprising a workpiece carrier which is movable on a plane in an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the CNC machine comprises at least one drive for movement in the x-axis, which is arranged on a slide which in turn is movable via a gantry drive for movement in the y-axis, wherein the drive for movement in the x-axis comprises a counterweight moving in the opposite direction to the drive, and wherein a drive is arranged on the slide by means of which the workpiece carrier is rotatable about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane, and wherein the slide is rotatable by at least 90° on a c-axis lying in or parallel to the xy-plane.

2. CNC machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the The carriage can be rotated at least 180° on the c-axis.

3. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive for the a-axis is designed as a torque drive.

4. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the CNC machine comprises at least one carrier for a machining tool, in particular a laser, which is movable along a z-axis perpendicular to the xy-plane.

5. CNC machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the The CNC machine has two synchronously moving drives for movement in the x-axis.

6. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive for movement in the x-axis comprises at least one linear motor, in particular that the synchronously moving drives each comprise a linear motor, in particular a linear motor with a moving secondary part.

7. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one drive for movement in the x-axis moves the counterweight via a traction gear.

8. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one drive for movement in the x-axis is enclosed by a band moving with the workpiece carrier.

9. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive for the a-axis is arranged below the workpiece carrier and between the synchronously moving drives.

10. CNC machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the workpiece carrier is pivotable by at least 180°, wherein a further workpiece carrier is arranged on a side opposite the workpiece carrier and / or that the c-axis is arranged parallel to the x-axis.

11. Method for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding, in particular by means of a CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece is moved via a drive for an x-axis at least in an x-direction relative to a machining tool, wherein before and / or during a necessary change of direction the movement in the x-direction is at least partially replaced by the combination of a rotation about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane and a linear movement in the y-direction.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movement along the x-axis is slowed down during the replacement.

13. CNC machine, in particular a machine for additive manufacturing by means of laser welding, comprising a workpiece carrier which is movable on a plane in an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the CNC machine has at least one drive and a counterweight moving in the opposite direction to the drive, at least for movement in the x-axis includes.

14. CNC machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the CNC machine has two synchronously moving drives for movement in the x-axis.

15. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive for movement in the x-axis comprises at least one linear motor, in particular that the synchronously moving drives each comprise a linear motor, in particular a linear motor with a moving secondary part.

16. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one drive moves the counterweight via a traction gear.

17. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one drive is enclosed by a belt moving with the workpiece carrier.

18. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workpiece carrier is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the xy-plane, in particular by means of a drive which is arranged under the workpiece carrier and between the synchronously moving drives, in particular by means of a torque drive.

19. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the synchronously moving drives are part of a slide which is movable via a drive for the y-axis, in particular via a gantry drive.

20. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the CNC machine comprises at least one carrier for a machining tool, in particular a laser, which is movable along a z-axis perpendicular to the xy-plane.

21. CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide is rotatable by at least 90°, preferably by at least 180° on an axis lying in the xy plane.

22. CNC machine, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a workpiece carrier which is movable on a slide along an x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the slide is movable along a y-axis, and wherein the workpiece carrier is rotatable about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane.

23. CNC machine, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a workpiece carrier which is movable along an x-axis and a y-axis on an xy-plane, wherein the workpiece carrier is pivotable on a c-axis which is parallel to the xy-plane, in particular in the xy-plane.

24. CNC machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the workpiece carrier is pivotable by at least 180°, wherein a further workpiece carrier is arranged on a side opposite the workpiece carrier and / or that the c-axis is arranged parallel to the x-axis.

25. Drive, in particular for a CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a slide on which a workpiece carrier is linearly movable along an x-axis, wherein the slide is enclosed by a band moving with the workpiece carrier, and wherein a drive is arranged in the slide to rotate the workpiece carrier about an a-axis.

26. Method for machining a workpiece, in particular by means of a CNC machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece is moved via a drive for an x-axis at least in an x-direction relative to a machining tool, wherein before and / or during a necessary change of direction the movement in the x-direction is at least partially replaced by the combination of a rotation about an a-axis perpendicular to an xy-plane and a linear movement in the y-direction.

27. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movement along the x-axis is slowed down during the replacement.

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