Barstock Joining Layout for Continuous Twin-Spindle Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face a challenge in performing predetermined processing on a barstock while the old material is being gripped by the second spindle, as the joining of old and new materials requires both spindles, limiting processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool configuration with a first spindle, a second spindle, a barstock supply unit, a processing unit, and a workpiece clamp device that allows continuous processing and parting of the barstock, enabling simultaneous processing of the old material by the second spindle and joining of new material with the old material using a joining mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the old material is transferred to the second spindle for joining with new material, then material waste is reduced, but processing capability during joining is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the barstock handling into two independent gripping points: the first gripping means at the front headstock and the second gripping means at the rear headstock. This segmentation allows the old material to be held by the second gripping means while new material is supplied and joined, enabling processing to continue without interruption despite the joining operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second gripping means acts as an intermediary that temporarily holds the old material during the joining process. This intermediary gripping mechanism allows the joining of old and new materials to occur while maintaining processing capability, as the old material remains secured during the transition.
2Loss of substance
If both spindles are used for joining old and new materials, then material utilization is improved, but processing continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the first gripping means continue to hold and process new material while the second gripping means simultaneously holds the old material for joining. This parallel operation ensures that processing does not stop during the joining phase, maintaining productivity and continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The old material is transferred to and secured by the second gripping means in advance of the joining operation. This preliminary action allows the joining process to proceed without interrupting the processing of new material by the first gripping means, ensuring continuous productivity.
3Loss of substance
If the old material is held by the second spindle during joining, then material waste is minimized, but processing operations cannot proceed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional sequential operation to a two-dimensional parallel operation by utilizing both the first and second gripping means simultaneously. The first gripping means processes new material while the second gripping means holds old material, effectively using time and space dimensions to enable concurrent operations and reduce total processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool comprising: a first spindle; a second spindle provided on a rear headstock to face the first spindle; a barstock supply unit for supplying an elongate rod to the first spindle; and a processing means including a tool for processing the barstock, characterized in that the machine tool further comprises: a workpiece clamp device provided on the rear headstock and adapted to grip a second material comprised of the barstock that has been removed from the first spindle as an old material; and a joining means for joining opposite end portions of the second material gripped by the workpiece clamp device and of a first material gripped by the first gripping means and comprised of a barstock newly supplied by the barstock supply unit, thereby to integrate the second material and the first material into a single barstock.