Processing system, program, and control method

Abstract

According to the present invention, chips are less likely to reach the cylindrical filter, and the cylindrical filter is less likely to become clogged. [Solution] The present invention relates to a processing system 1 comprising a supply device 210 that supplies filtered coolant liquid from a tank 211, and a processing device 200 that processes a workpiece using the coolant liquid based on an NC file, wherein the processing system 1 also comprises a control unit (CPU) 85 that controls the amount of coolant liquid discharged from the tank 211, and the control unit 85 controls the amount of coolant liquid discharged based on material information in the NC file.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining system including a machining apparatus that machines a workpiece, a program for operating the machining system, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Among dental materials, hybrid resin (hereinafter referred to as HR), PMMA, and PEEK can be subjected to dry machining. HR can be machined by both cutting and grinding, but wet machining is essential for grinding. That is, the necessity of wet machining varies depending on the material and the machining method.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The processing machine described in Patent Document 1 addresses the issue by injecting coolant into the machining area when a specific time predicted from the machining time has elapsed, in order to wash away chips in the machining area, but this did not result in the use of coolant suitable for the material of the workpiece.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a machining system of the present invention is a machining system comprising a supply device that supplies coolant liquid filtered by a filter from a tank, and a machining apparatus that machines a workpiece using the coolant liquid based on an NC file, the machining system further comprising a control unit that controls a discharge amount of the coolant liquid in the tank, wherein the control unit controls the discharge amount of the coolant liquid based on information related to a material in the NC file.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] By controlling the coolant discharge rate based on material information, the amount of coolant used can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] External view front view of the processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a processing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A control block diagram of the machining system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Tray of the processing chamber according to the embodiment [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view of the coolant supply device filter according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] External perspective view of the second coolant filter according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the first coolant filter according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Diagram of the processing system and external device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Flowchart of intermittent operation using the material according to the embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart for waiting for coolant level to recover according to the embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. First, the overall configuration of the processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0009] [Processing System] The machining system 1 comprises a machining device 200 and a coolant liquid supply device 210. The machining device 200 performs machining on a workpiece using a tool within the machining area 120. The machining device 200 houses the machining machine 100 within an outer cover 101 which serves as a housing. Specifically, the outer cover 101 contains the spindle, tool magazine, and other components, which will be described later. An openable and closable door (not shown) is provided at the front opening of the outer cover 101. When the door is open, the inside of the housing, i.e., the machining area 120 described later, is accessible, allowing for workpiece replacement and manual tool replacement.

[0010] The coolant supply device 210 is a device that supplies coolant, which is a liquid used to cool workpieces and tools, into the machining area 120 of the machining apparatus 200. In this embodiment, the coolant supply device 210 is located below the machining apparatus 200 and includes a tank 211, a pump 212, a flow meter 213, a solenoid valve 214, etc., which are connected by piping 220 to 224. The arrows shown in Figures 1 and 2 indicate the path and direction of the coolant flow. The tank 211 contains the coolant, and the pump 212 draws the coolant from the tank 211 via piping 220 and sends it to piping 221. The coolant sent to piping 221 passes through the flow meter 213 via piping 222. The flow meter 213 measures the flow rate of the coolant supplied from the pump 212 and transmits a signal to the CPU 85 (Figure 4), which is the main control unit of the machining system 1 described later. Furthermore, a strainer 215 is installed in the middle of pipe 222 to remove foreign matter from the piping path.

[0011] The coolant liquid that has passed through the flow meter 213 is sent to the piping 223 and reaches the solenoid valve 214 located in the piping 223. The solenoid valve 214 opens and closes the flow path and is controlled by the CPU 85 described above to supply and stop the coolant liquid to the machining apparatus 200. The piping 223 is connected to the machining apparatus 200, and the coolant liquid that has passed through the open solenoid valve 214 is supplied into the machining area 120 via the coolant discharge section 202, which is a coolant liquid supply section located on the spindle head 201 of the machining apparatus 200. When the solenoid valve 214 is closed, the coolant liquid supplied from the pump 212 is returned to the tank 211 via the piping 224 that branches off from the piping 221.

[0012] The coolant discharge unit 202 is, for example, a nozzle provided around the spindle 11 (Figure 3) of the spindle head 201, and supplies coolant liquid to the tool and workpiece held by the spindle 11 by discharging coolant liquid downwards. The coolant liquid supplied from the coolant discharge unit 202 accumulates in the lower part of the machining area 120 and is discharged from the bottom of the machining device 200. A tray 216 is provided below the machining device 200 to receive the coolant liquid discharged from the machining device 200 and return it to the tank 211. In this way, the machining system 1 of this embodiment uses coolant liquid to cool the tool and workpiece during machining. In this embodiment, an air blow unit 87 (Figure 4) is provided to blow air onto the tool and other components.

[0013] [Processing machine] Next, the processing machine 100 disposed inside the exterior cover 101 of the processing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The processing machine 100 includes a frame 1xz as a moving mechanism support member, a first moving mechanism (Z-axis moving mechanism) 10, a second moving mechanism (X-axis moving mechanism) 20 and a third moving mechanism (Y-axis moving mechanism) 30 each supported by the frame 1xz, a support mechanism 40 for supporting a workpiece W as an object to be processed, a first rotating mechanism (rotating device) 50 and a second rotating mechanism 60 as rotating means capable of rotating the support mechanism 40, a tool magazine 70, and an electrical unit 80. The first moving mechanism 10, the second moving mechanism 20, and the third moving mechanism 30 constitute a moving device 100A as moving means for relatively moving a spindle 11 and a holding device 41, which will be described later, in the three axis directions of X, Y, and Z.

[0014] The first moving mechanism 10 is supported by the first frame portion 3 of the frame 1xz via the second moving mechanism 20, and is capable of moving the spindle 11 in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction, first direction). A tool 12 is detachably attached to the spindle 11 via a tool holder. That is, the spindle 11 is capable of gripping the tool 12. The spindle 11 is rotationally driven by a motor 13. The first moving mechanism 10 has a motor 14 and a guide shaft (not shown) arranged in the Z-axis direction, and reciprocates (lifts and lowers) the spindle 11 in the Z-axis direction along the guide shaft by driving of the motor 14. The spindle 11 is movably supported by the guide shaft via a Z-axis support member (not shown). The guide shaft and the Z-axis support member are covered with a cover 17.

[0015] The second moving mechanism 20, which acts as a moving part, is supported by the first frame part 3 of the frame 1xz, and is capable of moving the main shaft 11 together with the first moving mechanism 10 in the X-axis direction (a predetermined direction, a horizontal direction, and a second direction) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The second moving mechanism 20 has a motor 21, a guide shaft 22 arranged in the X-axis direction, and rails 23 and 24 arranged in the X-axis direction, and the motor 21 drives the first moving mechanism 10 to reciprocate along the guide shaft 22 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the guide shaft 22, which is a screw shaft, is inserted through a nut member 19 fixed to a holding part 18 that holds the main shaft 11 and the first moving mechanism 10. The holding part 18 is also provided with engaging parts 25 and 26 that engage with the rails 23 and 24. When the guide shaft 22 rotates due to the motor 21, the nut member 19 that is screwed to the guide shaft 22 moves along the guide shaft 22. Then, the holding portion 18 to which the nut member 19 is fixed, and the main shaft 11 and the first moving mechanism 10 held by the holding portion 18, move in the X-axis direction based on the engagement of the engaging portions 25 and 26 with the rails 23 and 24. The second frame portion 4 is connected so as to extend in the Y-axis direction from the lower end of the first frame portion 3, but the first frame portion 3 and the second frame portion 4 are further connected by a reinforcing plate 29.

[0016] The third moving mechanism 30 is supported on the lower surface of the second frame portion 4 of the frame 1xz, and is capable of moving the support mechanism 40 in the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction, third direction) which is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The third moving mechanism 30 has a motor 32 and a guide shaft (not shown) arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the motor 32 drives the support mechanism 40 to reciprocate along the guide shaft in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 3, the support mechanism 40 side of the frame 2 in the Y-axis direction is open. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the third moving mechanism 30 is capable of moving the support mechanism 40 in the Y-axis direction together with the second rotation mechanism 60 and the first rotation mechanism 50.

[0017] The support mechanism 40 supports, for example, a workpiece W as an object to be machined by cutting with the tool 12 such as a dental prosthesis. Such a support mechanism 40 includes a holding device 41 as a holding section for holding the workpiece W, and a support section 42, both end portions of which are respectively connected to the rotating sections 51 of the first rotating mechanism 50, and which supports the workpiece W via the holding device 41.

[0018] The first rotating mechanism 50 serving as a rotating device is capable of rotating the support mechanism 40 around the a-axis, which is a rotation axis orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the a-axis is parallel to the X-axis direction. Such a first rotating mechanism 50 includes a support frame 53 that rotatably supports the rotating sections 51, and a motor that rotationally drives the rotating sections 51. The support frame 53 is formed in a substantially U-shape so as to surround the periphery of the support mechanism 40, and is constituted by a first support portion 53a that supports the motor and the rotating section 51 on one side (drive side), a second support portion 53b that supports the rotating section on the other side (driven side), and a connecting portion 53c that connects the first support portion 53a and the second support portion 53b.

[0019] The rotating section 51 supported by the first support portion 53a and the rotating section supported by the second support portion 53b are arranged so as to face each other in the a-axis direction and to be rotatable about the a-axis as the rotation axis. Both end portions of the support mechanism 40 in the a-axis direction are respectively supported by the rotating sections on both sides. Thereby, the first rotating mechanism 50 supports the support mechanism 40 so as to be rotatable about the a-axis (X-axis).

[0020] The first rotating mechanism 50 is capable of rotating at least 180°, and can reverse the front and back of the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 40. In the present embodiment, the first rotating mechanism 50 can rotate the support mechanism 40 by 360° about the a-axis.

[0021] The second rotation mechanism 60 is capable of rotating the support mechanism 40 about a b-axis, which is another axis of rotation perpendicular to the Z-axis and a-axis. In this embodiment, the b-axis is parallel to the Y-axis. Such a second rotation mechanism 50 has a rotating part to which the support frame 53 of the first rotation mechanism 50 is attached, and a motor that rotates the rotating part. The connecting part 53c of the support frame 53 is attached to the rotating part, and the motor rotates the support frame 53, allowing it to rotate about the b-axis.

[0022] The tool magazine 70, which serves as a tool holder, is capable of storing multiple tools and is positioned adjacent to the first rotating mechanism 50. The tool magazine 70 can move in the Y-axis direction together with the support mechanism 40 and the like by the third moving mechanism 30. However, the tool magazine 70 does not rotate even if the support mechanism 40 rotates around the a-axis, and the tool magazine 70 does not rotate even if the support mechanism 40 rotates around the b-axis.

[0023] The tool magazine 70 holds multiple types of tools, each integrally formed with a tool holder 12a, arranged in multiple rows along the Y-axis. The tools attached to the spindle 11 are interchangeable.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before and after storing or retrieving the tool, the tip of the tool 12 is brought into contact with a touch sensor 96, which is a tip detection means capable of detecting the tip of the tool 12 gripped by the spindle 11, thereby confirming whether or not the tool 12 is gripped by the spindle 11.

[0025] The electrical unit 80 is mounted inside the frame 1xz. That is, the electrical unit 80 is located on the side opposite to the side of the first frame section 3 where the first moving mechanism 10 is supported, and above the second frame section 4. Such an electrical unit 80 controls the machining system 1 or machining apparatus 200 and includes a control board that controls the drive of the spindle and the motors of each axis, and multiple control units that calculate pulses to be output to the motors from the signals of the rotary encoders of the corresponding motors and appropriately control the rotation of the corresponding motors.

[0026] Furthermore, the machining center 100 in this embodiment is an NC machining device that performs automatic machining under computer control. Specifically, machining data is created using a CAD / CAM system with an external device 800 such as a personal computer, and the workpiece W is machined based on this data using numerical control. For this purpose, an external device 800 such as a personal computer that issues commands to the machining center 100 is connected to the machining center 100. The machining center 100 itself may also be equipped with a computer that has a CPU and memory capable of numerical control. The control means described later may be provided in either the machining device or the computer connected to the machining device.

[0027] For example, when creating a dental prosthesis (dental material) using a processing machine 100, data of the dental prosthesis measured by a 3D measuring instrument is transferred to a CAD / CAM system, and processing data is created by the CAD / CAM system. Then, based on this processing data, the processing machine 100 is controlled to cut the workpiece W with a tool 12, thereby creating the dental prosthesis.

[0028] Next, the control configuration within the electrical unit 80 will be explained using Figure 4. The electrical unit 80 includes a CPU 85 which is the control means (main control unit), input / output ports (I / O) 86i, control units 84x, 84y, and 84z for each motor, a control unit 84c for the main spindle, a control unit 84a for the a-axis, and a control unit 84b for the b-axis. The CPU 85 performs various calculations using the memory 86m based on the input data and signals, and transmits instructions for rotation speed and position to the connected servo amplifier control units 84x, 84y, 84z, 84a, 84b, and 84c.

[0029] The I / O86i is connected to the compressor 350, pump 212, touch sensor 96, air pressure detection sensor 91, flow meter 213, and solenoid valve 214. The compressor 350 supplies air to the air blow section 87 of the processing device 200. The air blow section 87 blows air supplied from the compressor 350 onto the tool 12 attached to the spindle 11 to cool the tool 12 and remove any chips adhering to the tool 12. The pressure of the air supplied to the air blow section 87 is detected by the air pressure detection sensor 91, and the detection signal from the air pressure detection sensor 91 is sent to the CPU 85 via the I / O86i.

[0030] As described above, the pump 212 supplies coolant to the coolant discharge section 202. The coolant discharge section 202 supplies coolant to the tool 12 and the workpiece. The touch sensor (tool length sensor) 96, as a tip detection means, is used, as described above, to confirm whether the tool 12 is gripped by the spindle 11 during tool replacement operations, and also detects the length of the tool 12 and sends a signal to the CPU 85.

[0031] The control units 84x, 84y, and 84z for each motor, located on the CPU 85, drive the X, Y, and Z motors based on commands from the CPU 85. Each motor 21, 32, and 14 is equipped with an encoder as a position detection means. The encoder detects, for example, the number of rotations, rotation angle, and rotation direction of the rotation axis of each motor 21, 32, and 14. It then detects the amount that each stage x, y, and z has actually moved (actual position, relative position of the main spindle 11 with respect to the holding device 41) as a result of the driving of each motor 21, 32, and 14.

[0032] The spindle control unit 84c controls a motor (not shown) that rotates the spindle 11 to control the rotational speed of the spindle. In addition, the a-axis and b-axis control units 84a and 84b drive the a-axis and b-axis motors 54 and 62, respectively, based on commands from the CPU 85. Encoders 54a and 62a are also provided for each of these motors 54 and 62, making it possible to detect the rotational angle of the support mechanism 40 around the a-axis and b-axis.

[0033] By controlling each part of the processing machine 100 with the CPU 85 in this way, predetermined processing is performed on the workpiece W held as described above. Each operation and process described later is executed by the CPU 85 after it has loaded a program into a storage means such as memory 86m.

[0034] [Discharge configuration within the processing area] Next, we will explain the coolant and chip discharge configuration within the machining area 120. During machining, the coolant discharged from the coolant discharge port and the chips generated during workpiece machining collect at the bottom of the area cover 200. A filter 203 is located at the bottom of the area cover 200 to capture foreign matter such as chips that have accumulated at the bottom, and the coolant liquid from which the foreign matter has been removed falls downward.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the filter 203 has a filter section 203a, an outer frame 203b that houses the filter section 203a, and a gripping section 203c provided on the front side of the outer frame 203b so as to protrude upward. The gripping section 203c is the part that the user grasps with their hand when attaching or detaching the filter 203 to or from the processing chamber. Since foreign matter such as chips accumulates in the filter 203, it needs to be replaced or cleaned periodically.

[0036] Next, the configuration for discharging coolant liquid and chips from the filtration (chip separation) device 216 will be explained using Figure 6. The filtration device 216 consists of a first tank 310 and a second tank 320. The second tank 320 is equipped with a cylindrical filter 341, which will be described later.

[0037] Next, the chip separation (recovery) configuration of the chip recovery device 216, which separates the coolant liquid from the chips, will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the chip recovery device 216 with the first guide 342 removed, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the chip recovery device in Example 1, including the cylindrical filter 341 which will be described later. The chip recovery device 216 is equipped with a separation tank 340 for storing coolant liquid, and is composed of a first guide 342 that guides the upper part of the separation tank 340, a guide 343 inside the separation tank, and a cylindrical filter 341. The first guide 342 and the guide 343 inside the separation tank are always exposed to the coolant liquid, so a resin material with excellent chemical resistance is preferable, but metal parts with excellent rust and chemical resistance are also acceptable. The cylindrical filter 341 is called a pleated filter, and by forming the filter into a pleated shape (folds), the surface area per unit volume is increased, thereby improving the filtration performance. In this example, the cylindrical filter is composed of two parts. The cylindrical filter can be one or three or more.

[0038] The guide 343 inside the trap tank is detachably installed. Coolant liquid flowing from the opening 342a flows to the guide 343a on one side. The guide 343a on one side is perpendicularly connected to a second guide 343b located on the lower side of the cylindrical filter. The coolant liquid is guided by the second guide 343b and flows along the bottom surface 340c of the separation tank, allowing the chips to settle on the bottom surface of the separation tank. A convex-shaped foot 343c is provided from the second guide 343b, creating a space between it and the bottom surface 340c of the trap tank. The space formed in accordance with the height of the convex-shaped foot 343c can store chips. By providing the bottom guide 343b, it is possible to prevent the chips settled on the bottom surface 340c of the separation tank from floating up. The portion that is guided by the second guide 343b and flows along the bottom surface 340c of the separation tank functions as a settling area. In this embodiment, if a sedimentation section for chips is formed in front of the pleated filter, performing the intermittent operation of the coolant, as described later, slows down the flow of the coolant liquid, making it easier for more chips to settle in the sedimentation section.

[0039] [External device] In Figure 9, the machining system 1 comprises a machining device 200 for machining a workpiece and an external device 800 for transmitting NC files to the machining device 200. The external device 800 includes an NC generation unit 820 for generating NC files and an application unit 810 for operating the machining system 1 using the NC files. The external device 800 may also be located inside the machining device 200. The external device 800 can be, for example, a PC or the like as an information processing device. Regarding the control of the coolant discharge volume, which will be described later, in this embodiment the CPU of the processing device was used, but an external device 800 or the control unit of the coolant supply device may also be used. It is sufficient if the coolant discharge volume can be controlled using the computer within the processing system, including the processing device.

[0040] [Regarding coolant control] When the processing data specifies a material and processing method that allows for dry machining, for example, when machining materials such as HR, PMMA, PEEK, and polycarbonate, intermittent coolant operation (hereinafter referred to as intermittent operation) is performed. Details of intermittent operation will be described later, but it refers to the operation of repeatedly discharging and stopping the coolant by operating the solenoid valve 214 at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] The size of the chips differs between HR and PMMA / PEEK / polycarbonate (PC). Therefore, the materials are classified into HR, which produces small chips, and PMMA / PEEK / PC, which produces large chips, and will be referred to as "HR" and "resin-only materials" respectively below. Note that HR, PMMA, PEEK, and PC are materials that contain at least some resin. By switching the processing method based on the chip size according to the material type among the materials that contain at least some resin, processing efficiency and stable processing can be appropriately controlled.

[0042] Normally, coolant is discharged continuously while the spindle is rotating, but in intermittent operation, the solenoid valve 214 is operated to perform intermittent operation. Normally, the pump 212 is operated and the solenoid valve 214 is opened to discharge the coolant, but if the pump 212 operates alone for more than one minute, it will lead to the pump 212 failing, so the time that the solenoid valve 214 is closed must be less than 60 seconds.

[0043] In intermittent operation, the solenoid valve 214 is in the open position, turning the coolant ON for 15 seconds, and then in the closed position, turning the coolant OFF for 55 seconds. This cycle is repeated.

[0044] The ON / OFF time for intermittent operation is variable and may differ depending on the material.

[0045] The machining data contains NC codes indicating the end of each process. When an NC code is detected, the intermittent operation is stopped, the timer is reset, and the intermittent operation is restarted. This allows the lubrication and cooling effects of the coolant to be utilized at the start of the cut. Similar actions may also be performed when an NC code indicating a tool change is detected, or when the workpiece is reversed.

[0046] [Flowchart of intermittent motion caused by materials] Figure 10 shows the flow of material-based control of NC data for machining.

[0047] In S601, the system determines whether the intermittent operation setting is enabled. If enabled, it proceeds to S602; otherwise, it proceeds to S603. The intermittent operation setting can be changed by the user from the application unit 810 of the external device 800. Alternatively, it may be automatically enabled based on the number of filter clogging alarms or the detection of a decrease in flow rate.

[0048] In S602, the system determines whether the registered NC data is for machining resin materials only. If it is a resin material, the system proceeds to S604 and starts machining with intermittent operation and a coolant level recovery waiting period. Otherwise, it proceeds to S605. Here, "coolant level recovery waiting period" means that the system is stopped before discharging the coolant and waits for the coolant tank level to recover.

[0049] S603 determines whether the registered NC data is for machining resin material. If it is resin material, the process proceeds to S608, and machining is performed without intermittent operation and with a coolant level recovery waiting period. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S607, and machining is performed without intermittent operation and without a coolant level recovery waiting period.

[0050] In S605, it is determined whether the registered NC data is for machining HR. If it is HR, the process proceeds to S606, and machining is performed with intermittent operation and without waiting for coolant level to recover. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S607, and machining is performed without intermittent operation and without waiting for coolant level to recover. As described above, whether or not to perform intermittent operation and waiting for coolant level to recover is determined by the material type, but if a specific code is to be created in the NC file depending on the material type, the target code may be generated and the amount of coolant discharged may be controlled based on the code related to the material in the NC file (e.g., M code). Alternatively, the material type may be determined from the comments in the NC file.

[0051] Although PMMA can be processed in a dry process, if the coolant is completely stopped during processing, a wet processing machine without a dust collector may not discharge the chips from the processing area and instead stick to the processing area 120, which can lead to poor cleanability.

[0052] Intermittent operation allows for periodic removal of chips, preventing them from sticking to the machining area as would occur with a completely stopped coolant system, thus improving ease of cleaning.

[0053] After tool changes and at the end of machining, the tool magazine 70 and workpiece W may be cleaned using coolant and air. During cleaning, intermittent operation is not performed, and normal coolant discharge is carried out to avoid reducing cleaning efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, in the case of fine chips with a low specific gravity, such as HR chips, continuous flow of coolant during machining causes convection in the coolant within the chip recovery device 216, causing the chips to float and cover the entire pleated filter 341, thus shortening the lifespan of the pleated filter 341.

[0055] When the coolant does not continuously flow into the chip recovery device 216 due to intermittent operation, the flow within the chip recovery device 216 is slowed down, making convection less likely. This allows the coolant to pass over the bottom surface 340c of the separation tank before the filter 341, making it easier for the chips to settle. Since the chips do not directly come into contact with the pleated filter, the amount of chips that come into contact with the entire pleated filter is reduced, extending the life of the pleated filter. In addition, the amount of coolant used per machining operation is reduced, so coolant savings can be expected.

[0056] [Regarding waiting for coolant level to recover] When machining resin materials over a wide area with a large-diameter tool, a large amount of coarse chips are generated at once, and coolant may accumulate in the gaps of the chips that have accumulated in tray 203. For example, this can occur when machining denture shapes. When coolant accumulates, it becomes difficult for the coolant to return to tank 211, which may lead to the detection of a coolant circulation problem. In addition, if the amount of accumulated coolant increases, the coolant that has accumulated in the chips in tray 203 will be discarded along with the chips when cleaning the chips, thus increasing coolant consumption.

[0057] By operating the coolant intermittently, the coolant does not flow continuously, allowing time for small amounts of coolant to return to the tank, thus preventing poor coolant circulation caused by water retention in metal chips.

[0058] Normally, if no coolant is being discharged, any water retained in the chips will return to tank 211 if left alone. Furthermore, in the case of machining resin materials, before sequences such as tool changes and cleaning operations, where the coolant level tends to decrease due to continuous coolant discharge, monitoring the coolant level recovery and confirming that the coolant is returning to tank 211 can prevent coolant circulation problems caused by water retention.

[0059] [Flowchart for waiting for coolant level to recover] Figure 11 shows the timing for waiting for the coolant level to recover. This flowchart should be followed when processing resin materials.

[0060] In S611, the remaining coolant amount Xsa (first measurement result) measured from the remaining amount measurement unit 500 is recorded in memory 86m.

[0061] In S612, the pump 212 is activated and the solenoid valve 214 is opened to start supplying coolant.

[0062] S613 determines whether the cycle check was completed successfully. If it was completed successfully, the process proceeds to S614; if it terminated abnormally, it proceeds to S622 and a cycle check error occurs.

[0063] In S614, after the circulation check is complete, the remaining coolant amount Xsb measured by the remaining amount measurement unit 500 is recorded in memory 86m.

[0064] In step S615, the pump 212 is stopped and the solenoid valve 214 is closed to stop the coolant supply.

[0065] Steps S616 and S617 are used to wait for the coolant level to recover. The threshold is set to Xhml below the coolant level Xsb, and it is confirmed that the coolant has returned to tank 211. Let Xh be 500ml, for example. Xh should be a value less than the filter clogging threshold Xf. The condition is Xsb > Xsb - Xh > Xsb - Xf.

[0066] If the coolant level is Xsb-Xh or higher, proceed to S618 and continue machining. If not, it means that coolant has not returned to tank 211, so wait for a timeout period T until the coolant level is Xsb-Xh or higher. If the timeout period T is reached, proceed to S623, generate a coolant circulation failure alarm, and pause the process. The paused state is displayed via the application unit 810 of the external device 800. This can also be displayed using the display mechanism of the machining system 1.

[0067] Processing will continue with S618.

[0068] In step S619, the pump 212 is activated and the solenoid valve 214 is opened to begin supplying coolant.

[0069] At S620, the machining operation is terminated.

[0070] In S621, the pump 212 is stopped and the solenoid valve 214 is closed to stop the coolant supply.

[0071] In step S623, a coolant circulation failure alarm is triggered. The process to eliminate the cause of the circulation failure is then performed, and the alarm is cleared in step S624. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 216... Chip recovery device 340...Separation tank 211... Tank 212... pump 214... Solenoid valve 203...Tray 500... remaining amount measurement section

Claims

1. A supply device that supplies filtered coolant liquid from a tank, A machining system comprising a machining device that processes a workpiece using the coolant liquid based on an NC file, The tank has a control unit that controls the amount of coolant liquid discharged from the tank, The processing system is characterized in that the control unit controls the discharge amount of the coolant liquid based on the material information in the NC file.

2. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit intermittently discharges the coolant liquid.

3. The control unit, at the timing of making a cut in the workpiece, The machining system according to claim 2, characterized in that it always discharges the coolant liquid.

4. The supply device includes a chip recovery device that recovers chips from the coolant liquid before returning the coolant liquid to the tank, The machining system according to claim 1, characterized in that the chip recovery device includes a sedimentation section for settling the chips before a pleated filter that removes the chips from the coolant liquid.

5. A program that causes a computer to function as the control unit of the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A supply device that supplies filtered coolant liquid from a tank, A control method for a machining system comprising a machining apparatus that processes a workpiece using the coolant liquid based on an NC file, A machining system characterized by having a control step of controlling the amount of coolant liquid discharged from the tank based on material information in the NC file.

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