Support JIGS for objects to be tested

Abstract

The invention relates to a support jig for objects to be tested of the type comprising a base plate (2) having any shape, provided with a series of holes (2a) spaced at a predetermined distance to match configurations present on Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) or testing machines, where the configuration of the base plate and the position of the holes are designed to adapt to and be engaged with a measuring machine. The base plate features one or more recesses (20) with identical or different configurations and dimension, each one envisaged to accommodate a vertical support. The jig features at least one vertical support featuring at least one shaped cavity designed therewithin to allow a probe to operate during the inspection and testing of an object. The vertical support is equipped with a perpendicular base for the engagement with the base plate using fastening means. On the front surface of the vertical support, a plurality of turrets (4) are positioned to provide gripping points on an object to be tested by means of a clamping element (5) designed to secure a corresponding pin (50) engaging a portion of the object to be tested. The pin (50) is housed in a specific housing (52) located in proximity to the corresponding turret, and is movable along its axis and is adjustable by means of the screws (55) to achieve proper alignment with the piece. All the components of the support jig are made with a 3D printer using PLA, which is a green material.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SUPPORT JIGS FOR OBJECTS TO BE TESTED

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to support jigs for objects to be tested which are particularly indicated for use during certain process or production tests concerning these objects.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] As is known, support jigs for objects, also known as support equipment, are devices or structures used to support, hold in position, or stabilise objects, or parts of objects, to guarantee stability and safety during various types of activity, especially in contexts where balance or physical support are critical.

[0007] One sector in which these devices are employed is, for example, that of the process or production tests concerning pieces or parts that undergo certain tests so that they comply with pre-established measurement and precision parameters.

[0008] In more detail, jigs for carrying out tests on a piece on measuring machines are devices used to position, support, or fasten the test pieces during test operations on measuring machines, such as, for example, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical measuring machines, or other test equipment. These jigs are fundamental to guarantee that the pieces are correctly positioned and stable during the measuring process to prevent reading errors and to guarantee the accuracy of the measurements, which are needed for subsequent tests.

[0009] The jigs in the aforesaid contexts relate to specialist supports, bases, or devices that allow the piece to be measured to be held in a correct and stable position during inspections. These jigs must meet precision and robustness requirements, so as not to alter the measurements or damage the components tested. At present, jigs are made in different ways - depending on the type of measuring machine and the piece to be tested - and of different materials, which are principally metal materials such as steel and aluminium.

[0010] Steel is one of the most common materials, due to the resistance and stability thereof. Often, steel is used for jigs that must withstand high forces or for more robust components or where extremely high precision processing is required. In some cases, aluminium is used, which is lighter and offers good mechanical strength.

[0011] While the equipment / jigs described above fulfil their purpose, a number of problems have arisen due to different factors. A first drawback originates from the fact that, due to the component material thereof, the equipment currently available is very heavy and, consequently, for the handling thereof inside a business, it is necessary to use handling trucks and, for the positioning thereof on a measuring machine, often two people are needed, who must work with loads that, over long periods, can prove particularly tiring to handle.

[0012] A further problem encountered is due to the time it takes to make this equipment; this time can be 3 to 4 months since the said equipment is produced from individual blocks of metal which are machined by material removal using machining centres to achieve the required precision and accuracy. Furthermore, due to the preparation time required for these tools and the numerous types of processing to carry out to obtain the tool, due to technological evolution, which leads to continuous modifications to the pieces to be tested and, consequently, of the support jigs that must house them, the market for the production of this equipment is suffocating and the preparation time for these tools is growing so consistently that they are already obsolete by the time they are ready.

[0013] Additionally, the limited versatility of the mechanical processing brings difficulties and lengthy times during the design stage too. Furthermore, if the equipment is made of aluminium, there is a possibility that the said equipment can be recycled once retired, while the situation is very different for steel, which is difficult to reuse and recycle, with consequent costs that impact production given that the said equipment is rather costly to produce and not reusable or recyclable. A further problem is encountered when the jigs must be employed with machines that feature tomographic systems because with these devices jigs made of metal materials cannot be used due to both the type of material and the weight of the jig.

[0014] In addition to the explanations so far, the mechanical processing carried out to produce this equipment involves a considerable quantity of material of swarf, which is contaminated by water- or oil-based lubricants and brings a further cost burden for the disposal and the purification of the said swarf.

[0015] As is known, jigs must be designed with very limited tolerances, as even the slightest variations can influence measurements and can include micrometric locking devices or high-precision adjustment systems to hold the piece in the exact position, therefor these characteristics can sometime further slow down jig preparation times.

[0016] There are also other problems that have emerged concerning currently available support tools.

[0017] If the jig is not properly stable, this can introduce vibrations during the measuring process, negatively influencing the precision of the results.

[0018] Furthermore, the use of low-quality materials or badly designed jigs can lead to the deformation or yielding thereof over time, causing alterations in the measurements.

[0019] In particular, if the jig is not modular or easily adjustable, the use thereof for different types of pieces can become difficult, increasing the risk of error and inefficiency during tests. Furthermore, if the piece to be tested is not fastened correctly or if the jig is not designed adequately to support the geometry of the component, the jig could move during the measuring process, compromising precision.

[0020] Furthermore and not finally, the use of inadequate jig equipment can result in damage to the piece, such as scratches, stains, or critical alterations in the surface, compromising the test result.

[0021] Finally, frequent use can lead to wear or damage to the said jigs, reducing the effectiveness thereof and introducing uncontrollable tolerances.

[0022] In particular, one market requirement that has emerged is the need to have jigs available for testing using measuring machines, which are essential instruments to guarantee precision in the operations for testing and measuring articles designed and produced with materials and tolerances that are appropriate to prevent problems such as vibrations, deformations or adaptation difficulty. The main problems concern the choice of materials, the stability of the configuration and the capacity to be adapted to different types of pieces to be tested. To obtain accurate measurements, it is fundamental that the jigs are produced and serviced with the utmost precision and are available within reasonable times every time variations and modifications to the pieces to be measured are planned.

[0023] Disclosure of Invention

[0024] The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the prior art by overcoming the aforesaid difficulties by means of support jigs for objects to be tested which are obtained with 3D printing and are used to test parts made of a plastic and / or metal material on CMMs, laser or tactile measuring arms, optical machines, structured light measuring systems, and tomographic systems.

[0025] A second object of the present invention is to produce support jigs for objects to be tested that offer a significant reduction in the weight compared with those made of metal, as a result of which handling inside the company can be performed effortlessly, even by a single person.

[0026] A third object of the present invention is to produce support jigs for objects to be tested which are able to provide considerable savings in terms of production time, with lower electricity and material consumption and with the possibility of producing better performing configurations which are more practical both to build and to use.

[0027] A further object of the present invention is to produce support jigs for objects to be tested that allow precision levels contained within a range of ±0.01 to ±0.05 mm already during production of the jig, which can then be subsequently milled, but dry -milled, without using oils or lubricants, since this process is merely for aesthetic finishing and requires much less time than for processing the metals.

[0028] A further object of the present invention is to produce support jigs for objects to be tested that allow 3D-printed weight-reduction pockets to be obtained rather than milled versions, in addition to allowing geometric forms or support elements to be obtained, for example, in an undercut manner, which would be impossible to obtain with mechanical processing.

[0029] A further object of the present invention originates from the fact that the support jigs for objects to be tested are obtained very quickly, flexibly, and economically and there is no waste, all the material is used and at the end of its life, the jig can be recycled and reused with consequent savings in the production and operating costs for the said equipment.

[0030] A still further but not final object of the present invention is to produce support jigs for objects to be tested which are easy to manufacture and work well.

[0031] These objects and others besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of support jigs for objects to be tested, as outlined in the claims below. Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] Further characteristics and advantages will better emerge in the detailed description of support jigs for objects to be tested according to the present invention, provided in the form of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] - Figure 1 shows, schematically, a perspective view of a first embodiment of a support jig for objects to be tested according to the present invention;

[0034] - Figure 2 shows, schematically, an exploded perspective view of the support jig in Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 shows, schematically, a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a support jig for an object to be tested in a right-hand configuration;

[0036] - Figure 4 shows, schematically, a front perspective view of the support jig for an object to be tested in Figure 3 in a left-hand configuration;

[0037] Figure 5 shows, schematically, a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a support jig for an object to be tested in a right-hand configuration;

[0038] - Figure 6 shows, schematically, a perspective view of the support jig for an object to be tested in Figure 5 in a left-hand configuration;

[0039] Figure 7 shows, schematically, a perspective view of a further embodiment of a support jig for objects to be tested according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 shows, schematically, an exploded perspective view of the support jig in Figure 7;

[0041] - Figure 9 shows, schematically, a perspective view of a component of the support jig in question;

[0042] Figure 10 shows, schematically, an exploded perspective view of the component in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows, schematically, a front perspective view of the component in

[0043] Figure 9;

[0044] - Figure 12 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the component in Figure 12.

[0045] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0046] As explained earlier, the support jigs for objects to be evaluated, measured, and tested on CMMs, laser or tactile measuring arms, optical machines, structured light measuring systems, and tomographic systems for parts made of a plastic and / or metal material are equipment that must comply with precise precision parameters and not distort the measurement results, which would lead to misevaluation of the object. At present and as explained earlier, the support jigs are made of a metal material with long and costly processing to remove material in order to obtain the finished tool.

[0047] According to the present invention, a support jig is produced by means of a 3D printing process. In fact, 3D printers are devices that can create three-dimensional objects from a digital model, allowing customised production that meets the need to measure the given object since it is possible to produce objects to specifications, and 3D printers are ideal for small, custom, or even individual production runs.

[0048] In more detail, the 3D printing process is based on additive manufacturing, namely the construction of an object through the addition of material, layer by layer, unlike as occurs at present with the support equipment made of metal.

[0049] The production of a support jig starts from the creation of a 3D model; therefore, first of all, the equipment is designed using 3D modelling software.

[0050] Once the model has been created, it is divided into thin layers, wherein each layer corresponds to a physical layer that will be printed and this process is performed by software that prepares the respective file for the printer.

[0051] This is followed by the printing proper stage, during which the 3D printer, utilising the file prepared, deposits the material, which can be plastic, metal, resin, ceramic, etc. layer after layer, creating the structure and the configuration of the equipment to be produced. Depending on needs, one can utilise filaments of plastic, which are melted and deposited layer after layer, or liquid resins, which are solidified from a light source or utilise materials in powder form, such as plastic or metal, which are melted selectively with a laser. After printing, the object obtained may need some treatments, like the removal of supports, polishing, or painting.

[0052] In particular, compared with the conventional production methods explained earlier, the production of support jigs with the use of 3D printers allows various advantages that contribute to the reduction in production costs for the said jigs.

[0053] 3D printing makes it possible to produce pieces only when necessary, eliminating the need for large stocks and reducing the risk of wastage. Furthermore, it is not necessary to make a large initial investment in costly equipment, like dies and tools for mass production, as occurs for the production of jigs made of metal. There are significant savings in material because unlike with conventional methods, which use subtractive processing, i.e. which removes material from a block by means of, for example, milling or turning, 3D printing builds the object by solely adding the necessary material, consequently reducing waste.

[0054] In particular, with 3D printing, it is possible to produce complex geometric forms without significant additional costs while with the conventional methods, complex parts require special equipment or additional processes that increase both the production times and the costs. In fact, with conventional constructions, the structural configurations of the jig often are limited or dictated by the printing or processing possibilities allowed by the metal in question, unlike as occurs with 3D printing, in which the most disparate and unusual forms can be built and assembled in order to obtain the ideal support jig configuration. Furthermore, 3D printing allows rapid prototyping since the 3D printers allow rapid testing of new forms and designs, reducing development times and allowing faster modifications, without the long waiting times and the production costs of conventional prototypes.

[0055] With this production method one can reduce, or even eliminate, the costs linked to logistics and to the handling of the support equipment, thereby helping to reduce the overall costs and improving ergonomics.

[0056] Summing up, 3D printing is a versatile and efficient technology that makes it possible to produce objects at lower costs due to the reduction in waste, to the non-use of special equipment, and to the possibility of producing objects in small runs or to specifications.

[0057] In particular, according to the present invention, for example, it is not necessary to make a right-hand and a left-hand die, as is the case with the conventional systems for the jigs made of metal.

[0058] Furthermore, contemporaneously, one can build multiple pieces together that are all perfectly identical, which is also not feasible with dies.

[0059] Also during a single print run, one can obtain additional accessories and multiple different pieces with a single processing step.

[0060] If a piece is not satisfactory, there is no need to change the die, but simply modify the printing parameters.

[0061] Furthermore, one can also do tests on the pieces at intermediary times during the printing to check whether the piece complies with requirements, a situation which is unfeasible with conventional jigs made of metal.

[0062] In addition to the explanations so far, it is possible to change one parameter only and modify the piece with great flexibility and ease. During the construction of a piece, in the printing stage, one can create holes, an operation which is impossible with conventional jigs made of metal, where the different processing all comes subsequently and by means of removal of material.

[0063] One important aspect is that a 3D printer lasts, while dies for jigs made of metal are retired, with considerable costs.

[0064] A further aspect emerges from the fact that die-casting the metal can reduce the yield strength thereof, a condition that does not occur with 3D printing, which allows jigs to be obtained which are made of a material that is in ideal condition for use.

[0065] Still on the subject of the material that is used to produce the pieces, in 3D printing the material employed can be supplemented with additional materials to lend particular characteristics, such as resistance, lightness, or other characteristics which are unimaginable with metal. In addition to the explanations so far, with the 3D printing according to the present invention natural organic materials are used rather than the petroleum-based materials used in the field of metals. In fact, these materials do not have any environmental impact since they are totally compostable organic materials In more detail, if one utilises plastic materials, these are reusable and recyclable. The material which is preferably employed in the present invention is PLA containing carbon at rate of between 10% and 15%.

[0066] With 3D printing, testing during printing is direct and internal, unlike with metal, which must be processed by third parties, i.e. externally.

[0067] With reference to the aforesaid figures, and in particular Figure 1, 1 denotes, as a whole, a support jig for objects to be tested according to the present invention.

[0068] The support jig 1 for objects according to the present invention, comprise a base plate 2, with any conformation, equipped with a series of holes 2a located between mutually spaced by a pre-established distance so as to correspond with retrofit facilities on CMMs or test machines. In more detail, the configuration of the base plate 2 and the position of the holes 2a are envisaged to be able to adapt and engage the said plate to a measuring machine. In particular, the securing means used for these fastenings are employed with a precise tightening torque within a pre-established range so as to have optimum engagement to the machine without forcing either the base plate or the machine on which the jig is placed.

[0069] The base plate 2 is equipped with at least one recess 20 that, in the present embodiment is rectangular, and is housed in the central zone of the plate, as shown in Figure 7. As shown however in Figure 2, on the base plate 2 two rectangular recesses 20 are envisaged which are housed in mutually specular fashion with respect to the midline of the base plate 2 and in the rear zone of the said plate. Furthermore, the base plate 2 can comprise one or more additional recesses 20a with smaller dimensions than the other two, as shown in Figure 6. In more detail, the base plate 2 can comprise one or more recesses 20 with identical or different configurations and dimension, each one envisaged to accommodate a vertical support.

[0070] In addition, each recess 20 and 20a is equipped with holes 200 for clearance for the fastening means designed to secure the vertical support to the base plate 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the base plate 2 can feature open portions 21a and 21b envisaged to lighten the base plate 2 and limit the use of material for the production thereof.

[0072] The equipment / support jig 1 comprises one or more vertical supports and also additional supports depending on the configuration of the piece / object to be tested and the measuring needs, and a plurality of turrets 4 opportunely arranged over the front surface of the vertical support so as to have points for gripping the object to be tested. The equipment / support jig 1 comprises, furthermore, for each turret, a clamping element 5 envisaged to secure a respective pin 50 engaging a portion of the object to be tested and the pin 50 is housed in a specific housing 52 located in proximity to the corresponding turret.

[0073] In addition, the jig 1 comprises a device for centring the pin 50. In particular, each pin 50 is movable along its axis to achieve proper alignment with a support surface for the piece by means of a spring stop 51 as shown in Figure 2.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, to facilitate correct centring of the pin in the piece to be tested, an adjustment support 53 is envisaged fastened to the housing 52 and having a base 530 arranged to house one end of the spring 51 while the opposite end is secured to the pin 50, which is sleeved. In particular, the support 53 features lateral walls 54 in which, at the tops thereof holes 54a are envisaged for the insertion of elements 54b for fixing the support 53 to the housing 52, while on each side, there is a small hole 540 present for clearance for an adjustment screw 55, as shown in Figure 10.

[0075] According to the present embodiment, the sleeve 56 that engages to the pin 50 features, at the free end thereof, a surface envisaged to support the portion of surface of the piece to be secured and tested.

[0076] In addition to the explanations so far, the pin 50 enters a specific housing in the piece to be tested; when the piece is clamped using the clamping element 5, which pushes towards the turret 4 - thereby overcoming the force of the spring 51 - this results in the surface of the piece resting on the surface or plane 560 of the sleeve 56. In this way, it is certain that the piece rests perfectly thereon.

[0077] In more detail, when the equipment / support jig is used with tomographic equipment, the clamping element 5 consists of a bracket which holds the piece in place, which is made of a plastic material using a 3D printer.

[0078] As mentioned earlier, the adjustment support 53 is fastened to the vertical support, into which the insertion of the sleeved pin 50 is envisaged. The pin 50 is appropriately adjusted to ensure the correct position thereof with respect to the piece by means of the four screws 55, which are arranged in mutually opposite positions both vertically and horizontally, allowing the pin 50 to be moved and centred so as to be perfectly positioned and centred with respect to the coordinates envisaged for the positioning of the piece.

[0079] Each screw 55 can be secured in position by means of a sealant paste or other equivalent material to prevent unwanted movements thereof or tampering therewith, which could compromise the positioning of the piece and the consequent measurements.

[0080] All the components that comprise the support jig are made using a 3D printer that allows multiple configurations and adaptations of each component like will be explained below. To produce the components of the jig, totally compostable natural organic materials are used. The material which is preferably employed in the present invention is PLA containing carbon at rate of between 10% and 15%.

[0081] According to the present invention, and as shown in Figure 7, an example of an embodiment of a tool / support jig 1 envisages a rectangular base plate 2 endowed with a rectangular recess 20 housed in the central zone of the plate, which is designed to engage a vertical support 22 which features, inside thereof, at least one shaped cavity 220 envisaged to allow a CMM probe to perform inspections and tests on an object, as will be explained in more detail later on. Furthermore, the vertical support 22 features a slightly bevelled upper external portion and is equipped with a base 22a to allow attachment to the base plate 2 using fastening means, such as, for example, screws. The vertical support 22 features, as shown in Figure 8, a plurality of turrets 4, appropriately arranged on the front surface of the support 22 to provide gripping points for the object to be tested given that the disposition of the turrets is dictated by the configuration of the object to be secured to the jig and to be tested.

[0082] At the free end of each turret, a clamping element 5 is envisaged, whose task is to secure a respective pin 50 engaging a portion of the object to be tested, and the pin 50 is housed in a specific housing 52 located in proximity to the corresponding turret. As explained earlier, the pin 50 is movable along its axis and can be adjusted using the screws 55 present in the support 53.

[0083] According to the present invention and as shown in Figure 3, the equipment / jig 1 comprises a base plate 2 equipped with a pair of rectangular recesses 20 located in a specular fashion with respect to the midline of the base plate and in the rear zone of the said plate. In addition, the base plate 2 features a series of holes 2a for fastening the plate to the machine and a pair of open portions 201a and 201b envisaged to reduce the weight of the plate.

[0084] The equipment / jig 1 comprises a first vertical support 23 envisaged to be housed and engaged in a recess and a second vertical support 24 envisaged to be inserted into and fastened inside the other recess. The two supports 23 and 24 can be inserted into each recess depending on the conformation of the object to be tested. The position of the recess 20 allow the vertical support to be precisely oriented and positioned with respect to the base plate 2.

[0085] As mentioned earlier, each vertical support can be either solid or endowed with weightreducing openings 230 and 240, as shown in Figure 3.

[0086] Furthermore, each vertical support 23 and 24 features a slightly bevelled upper external portion 231 and 241 and an internal upper portion, oriented towards the midline of the base plate (2), being shaped with notches and curves (232 and 242) to provide clearance for a CMM probe.

[0087] In addition, the upper internal portion is equipped with arms 233 or arms 243.

[0088] The two vertical supports 23 and 24 can, at the top thereof, be mutually joined by a unifying / reinforcing plate 3.

[0089] Each vertical support 23 and 24 is equipped with one or more turrets 4, appropriately arranged on the front surface of the vertical support and envisaged to each house a clamping element 5 and a engagement pin 50 to engage a portion of an object to be tested.

[0090] In addition to the explanations so far, each vertical support 23 and 24 is provided with a base, respectively 23a and 24a, which allows fastening thereof to the base plate 2 using fastening means such as screws.

[0091] In agreement with the present embodiment, the first vertical support 23 consists of a parallelepiped structure 23b with a base 23a designed to fit into the recess 20 and to be secured to the base plate through the holes 200. The parallelepiped structure 23b features some turrets 4, respectively located as follows: the first 4a in proximity to the upper portion of the parallelepiped structure in proximity to the free end of the bevelled portion 231 , the second 4b located below and protruding further than the first and the third located beneath the other two and rotated by approximately 45°. Each turret is configured to house a clamping element 5 designed to secure a portion of the object to be tested.

[0092] In addition to the explanations so far, beside the first turret 4a is the arm 233, which is designed to house, resting thereon, the piece to be tested, and beside the second turret 4b is a first projection 235 whose task is to accommodate the housing 52 for the securing pin 50 engaging a portion of the piece to be tested.

[0093] In particular, at the third turret 4c, there is a second securing pin 50 present, which is housed on the front surface of the parallelepiped structure to work in conjunction with the clamping element 5 located on the turret 4c.

[0094] Furthermore, the parallelepiped structure can feature one or more holes 230 with different configurations to lighten the said structure.

[0095] As explained earlier, there is a second vertical support 24 present that features a base 24a envisaged to be inserted in the recess 20 and fastened to the base plate 2 by means of fastening means such as screws. The second vertical support 24 also has a parallelepiped structure with a bevelled lateral external portion 241 and features at least one shaped weight-reducing hole 240. The parallelepiped structure features a horizontal arm 243 featuring, in proximity to the free end thereof, a first turret 4d located on a vertical extension 243a of the arm 243. The first turret 4d is designed to house a clamping element 5 arranged vertically to secure a portion of the object to be measured. Below the first turret 4d, on the parallelepiped structure a second turret 4e is envisaged, arranged with the same inclination as the third turret 4c on the first vertical support 23 and also equipped with a clamping element 5.

[0096] The two vertical supports 23 and 24 can, at the top thereof, be mutually joined using a unifying / reinforcing plate 3.

[0097] A different embodiment of the equipment for supporting objects is shown in Figure 5. The equipment comprises a base plate 2 equipped with a pair of recesses 20, each of which is designed to house and engage, respectively a first vertical support 23 and a second vertical support 24.

[0098] In more detail, the first vertical support 23 features a parallelepiped structure with, in the interior thereof, in proximity to the midline of the base plate 2, one or more notches 236a and 236b of varying shapes for clearance for the CMM probe. On the front surface, there are a first lower turret 4a, a second turret 4b located at the top of the first and arranged slightly rotated and a third upper turret 4c located on a protruding support and further rotated with respect to the second turret. Each turret is equipped with a clamping element 5 and a securing pin 50 to engage a portion of the object to be tested. Likewise, the second vertical support 24 features a parallelepiped structure with, in the interior thereof in proximity to the midline of the base plate, one or more notches 246a, 246b and 246c with varying shapes also to enable ease of probe operation.

[0099] Furthermore, there may be a unifying / reinforcing plate 5 present that joins, at the top thereof, the first vertical support 23 to the second vertical support 24. In the present embodiment, the base plate 2 features a third recess 20a located in front of the other two 20 and designed to house and engage a third vertical support 25, which features a U-shaped free end and is equipped with a turret 4h on the front surface with a clamping element 5.

[0100] According to the present invention, one or more vertical supports can be envisaged, depending on the conformation of the piece to be secured and the supports can be identical, similar, or different, again depending on the conformation of the piece.

[0101] With the present system for the production of the support jigs using a 3D printer, costreducing advantages have been found with respect to conventional production methods.

[0102] In fact, 3D printing makes it possible to produce pieces only when necessary, even individual pieces, eliminating the need to use dies and reducing the risk of wastage. Furthermore, initial investments are contained because costly equipment, like dies and milling machines, is no longer used.

[0103] Unlike with conventional methods, which involve subtractive processing (i.e. the removal of material from a block by milling or turning) with 3D printing the object is built by adding solely the material needed, thereby eliminating the waste.

[0104] 3D printing allows the production of complex geometric forms without significant additional costs. With conventional methods, complex parts require special equipment or additional processes that increase production costs and times.

[0105] Furthermore, a 3D printer allows rapid testing of new ideas and designs, reducing development times and allowing faster modifications, without the long waiting times and the production costs of conventional prototypes.

[0106] In particular, due to the possibility of producing objects locally, the costs linked to logistics and shipping can be eliminated, thereby helping to reduce total costs. In addition, 3D printing makes it possible to reduce costs linked to the production of alternative pieces, which can be printed directly on site rather than having to be ordered and shipped, allowing the final jig to arrive with much faster timing.

[0107] The method for producing jigs according to the present invention allows supports to be create to specifications depending on the form and the dimensions of the object that has to be tested and is particularly useful when having to test prototypes with complex designs or parts with an irregular geometric form that require specific supports.

[0108] With the system in question there is a reduction in the costs of producing the support jigs, above all in the case of prototypes or small production runs, which can be made in an economical manner thanks to 3D printing with it no longer being necessary to produce complex prints or use costly conventional production methods to produce these supports.

[0109] The production of the pieces has rapid timing, allowing tests to be started without having to wait weeks for the production of supports, as occurs with conventional methods. Furthermore, one can use different materials depending on the specific testing requirements. For example, one can use softer, more flexible materials to test the strength or the grip of the objects, or more rigid materials to guarantee that the supports do not deform during the test. One can produce supports with complex geometric forms that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to produce with conventional methods. For example, it is possible to create supports with internal mesh structures or supports that adapt to fit multiple contact points perfectly.

[0110] After this predominantly structural description, the operation of the system in question is described in detail as follows.

[0111] When a piece has to be tested, it is necessary to have a device at one's disposal to support and secure the said piece according to an extremely precise positioning so as to be able to conduct the necessary tests in an exemplary manner. In order to do so, one must have a support device that is made using a 3D printer and the materials stated earlier.

[0112] Once the pieces required to produce the support jig have been built, they are assembled, configuring the structure of the jig.

[0113] All that remains is to secure the object to be tested and measured in the dedicated clamps and to proceed by conducting the tests, also adjusting the centring.

[0114] The present invention thus achieves the objects set, as amply explained above.

[0115] In fact, the support jigs for objects to be tested according to the present invention, which are obtained with 3D printing, can be used to test parts made of a plastic material on CMMs, laser or tactile measuring arms, optical machines, structured light measuring systems, and tomographic systems.

[0116] Advantageously the support jigs according to the invention can offer a significantly lower weight with respect to those made of metal, therefore the handling thereof inside a business is performed effortlessly, even by a single person, and complies with legislation in force regarding the type of loads to which staff are exposed. Furthermore, the jigs according to the invention enable considerable savings in production time with lower electricity7consumption, less material usage and the possibility of producing higher-performing configurations that are more practical both to build and to use.

[0117] In particular, the support jigs in question enable the required levels of precision to be obtained already during the production of the jig, which can be milled subsequently, but with a dry process, without the use of oils or lubricants as occurs with jigs according to prior art, obtaining a precision within a range of ±0.01 and ±0.05 mm with much faster processing times than those experienced with metals, since this processing is merely for aesthetic finishing.

[0118] A further advantage of the present invention is that the support jigs make it possible to obtain 3D printed recesses rather than milled recesses in addition to being able to produce geometric forms or elements for support, for example, in an undercut manner, which would be impossible to achieve with mechanical processing.

[0119] A further advantage of the present invention originates from the fact that the support jigs for objects to be tested are obtained very quickly, flexibly, and economically and there is no waste as all the material is used and the jig can be recycled and reused upon reaching the end of its working life, with consequent savings in the production and operating costs for the said equipment.

[0120] A further but not final advantage of the present invention is that the said system proves to be remarkably easy to use and structurally simple, and works well. Naturally, further modifications or variants may be applied to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the invention that characterises it.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Support jig for objects to be tested, characterized by comprising:- a base plate (2), having any shape, provided with a series of holes (2a) spaced at a predetermined distance to match configurations present on Coordinate Measuring Machines CMM or testing machines, where the configuration of the base plate and the position of the holes are designed to adapt to and be engaged with a measuring machine, the base plate including one or more recesses (20) of equal or different configurations and sizes, each designed to accommodate a vertical support;- at least one vertical support, the upper external portion of which is bevelled, featuring at least one shaped cavity designed to allow a probe to operate during the inspection and testing of an object, and equipped with a base perpendicular to the vertical support for the engagement with the base plate by using fastening means;- a plurality of turrets (4) appropriately positioned on the front surface of the vertical support to provide gripping points on an object to be tested, each turret featuring a clamping element (5) at its free end to secure a corresponding pin (50) engaging a portion of the object to be tested, the pin (50) being housed in a specific housing (52) near the corresponding turret, said pin (50) being movable along its axis to achieve proper alignment with a support plane of the object via a spring stop (51), the components of the support jig being manufactured using a 3D printer.2) Support jig according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a centring device for the pin (50), composed of an adjustment support (53) fixed to the housing (52), the adjustment support including a base (530) designed to accommodate one end of the spring (51), while the opposite end is attached to the pin (50), which is sleeved, the adjustment support (53) featuring lateral walls (54) with holes (54a) at the vertices for the transit of fixing elements (54b) of the support (53) to the housing (52), each lateral wall (54) including a small hole (540) for the transit of an adjustment screw (55).3) Support jig according to claim 2, characterized in that the pin (50) features a sleeve (56), the free end of the pin (50) having a surface designed to support a portion of the surface of the piece / object to be secured and tested, the pin (50) entering a specific housing in the piece to be tested, and when an object needs to be clamped, the clamping element (5) pushes it towards the turret (4), overcoming the force of the spring (51), thus ensuring that the surface of the object perfectly rests against a plane (560) of the sleeve (56).4) Support jig according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment support (53) is fixed to the vertical support in which the sleeved pin (50) is inserted, the latter being properly adjusted for correct positioning relative to the piece / object using four adjustment screws (55), said screws being positioned opposite one another other both vertically and horizontally, thus enabling the pin (50) to be displaced and centred perfectly with respect to the coordinates specified for the positioning of the piece / object, each adjustment screw (55) being locked in place with sealing paste or equivalent material to prevent unintended movements or tampering that could compromise the positioning of the piece and subsequent measurements.5) Support jig according to claim 1, characterized in that each recess (20) is equipped with holes (200) to allow the transit of fastening means used to secure the vertical support to the base plate (2), which includes open portions (21a and 21b) to lighten the base plate (2) and reduce material usage for its manufacture.6) Support jig according to claim 1, characterized in that all components of the support jig are manufactured using a 3D printer, thus enabling multiple configurations and adaptations for each component, entirely compostable organic materials being used, preferably carbon-loaded PLA with a carbon content between 10% and 15%.7) Support jig according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means used to attach the base plate (2) to the measuring machine are employed with a precisetightening torque within a predefined force range, thus ensuring optimal engagement with the machine without causing stress to either the base plate or the machine on which the jig is positioned.8) Support jig according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by comprising:- a rectangular base plate (2) featuring a rectangular recess (20) located centrally and designed to accommodate a vertical support (22), which has at least one shaped cavity (220) internally, allowing a CMM machine probe to perform inspections and tests on an object;- a vertical support (22) with a slightly bevelled upper external portion and a base (22a) for attachment to the base plate (2) using fastening means;- a plurality of turrets (4) appropriately positioned on the front surface of the vertical support (22) to provide gripping points for the object to be tested, the arrangement of the turrets depending on the configuration of the object to be secured to the jig and measured;- a clamping element (5) located at the free end of each turret, designed to secure a corresponding pin (50) engaging a portion of the object to be tested, the pin (50) being housed in a specific housing (52) near the corresponding turret and being movable along its axis, adjustable via screws (55) in a support (53).9) Supporting jig according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises:- a base plate (2) equipped with a pair of rectangular recesses (20) symmetrically arranged with respect to the midline of the base plate in its rear section, where the position of the recess (20) allows for the orientation and precise positioning of a vertical support relative to the base plate (2), which features a series of holes (2a) forsecuring the plate to a measuring machine, as well as a pair of open sections (201a and 201b) designed to lighten the plate,- a first vertical support (23) meant to be housed and engaged in one recess and a second vertical support (24) designed to be inserted and fixed in the other recess, where each vertical support can be solid or include weight-reducing openings (230 and 240),- vertical supports (23 and 24) each of which features an externally slightly chamfered upper portion (231 and 241), and the internal upper portion, oriented towards the midline of the base plate (2), being shaped with notches and curves (232 and 242) to provide clearance for a measuring machine probe, the internal upper portion being also equipped with arms (233) on support (23) and arms (243) on support (24),- vertical supports (23 and 24), each of which features a base (23 a and 24a, respectively) enabling attachment to the base plate (2) using fastening means,- a unify ing / reinforcing plate (3) which connects the two vertical supports (23 and 24) at the top,- one or more turrets (4) which are provided on each vertical support (23 and 24), appropriately positioned on the front surface of the vertical support to accommodate, each of them, a clamping element (5) and an engagement pin (50).10) Supporting jig according to claim 9, characterized in that the first vertical support (23) consists of a parallelepiped structure (23b) with a base (23a) designed to fit into the recess (20) and be fixed to the base plate through the holes (200), said base plate featuring several turrets (4), specifically, a first turret (4a) located near the upper portionof the parallelepiped structure at the free end of the chamfered section (231), a second turret (4b) positioned below and protruding further than the first, and a third turret (4c) located beneath the other two and rotated by approximately 45°, each turret being configured to house a clamping element (5) and, adjacent to the first turret (4a), there being provided an arm (233) designed to accommodate a housing (52) for a pin (50) while, adjacent to the second turret (4b), a first projection (235) is featured which, in turn, is meant to accommodate a second housing (52) for another securing pin (50) and, at the third turret (4c), a third securing pin (50) is located on the front surface of the parallelepiped structure to work in conjunction with the clamping element (5) mounted on turret (4c).11) Supporting jig according to claim 10, characterized in that the second vertical support (24) features a parallelepiped structure with an externally chamfered lateral portion (241), at least one shaped weight-reducing hole (240) and a horizontal arm (243) with a first turret (4d) located near the free end on a vertical extension (243a) of the arm (243), the turret being designed to accommodate a vertically oriented clamping element (5) for securing the object being measured, below the first turret (4d), while on the parallelepiped structure, a second turret (4e) is provided that has the same tilt as the third turret (4c) of the first vertical support (23), and is also equipped with a clamping element (5).12) Supporting jig according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises:- a base plate (2) with a pair of recesses (20), each designed to house and engage a first vertical support (23) and a second vertical support (24), respectively, the first vertical support (23) featuring a parallelepiped structure with, on its inner portion near the midline of the base plate (2), one or more notches (236a and 236b) of varying shapes to allow a measuring machine probe to pass through, the second vertical support (24) also having a parallelepiped structure with, on its inner portionnear the midline of the base plate, one or more notches (246a, 246b, and 246c) of varying shapes for unobstructed probe operation,- on the front surface of the first vertical support (23), a first lower turret (4a), a second turret (4b) slightly rotated above the first, and a third upper turret (4c) positioned on a protruding support and further rotated relative to the second turret, each turret including a clamping element (5) and a securing pin (50) for engaging a portion of the object being tested,- a third recess (20a) located on the base plate (2), in front of the other two recesses (20), designed to house and engage a third vertical support (25) with a U-shaped free end and a turret (4h) on its front surface featuring a clamping element (5),- a unifying / reinforcing plate (5) connecting the top of the first vertical support (23) to the second vertical support (24).13) Supporting jig according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, when the jig is used with tomographic equipment, the clamping element (5) consists of a workpieceholding bracket made of plastic material produced via 3D printing.

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