CNC Milling Fixating Material for Multi-Object Workpiece Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining processes for producing multiple objects from a single workpiece are labor-intensive due to the need for frequent loading and unloading of workpieces, and existing methods lack efficiency in managing temporary support frames and fixating materials during subtractive manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method and software system that generates a workpiece computer model with a temporary support frame and removable fixating material to stabilize objects, allowing for efficient machining of multiple objects from a single workpiece by creating a network of through-openings and interconnecting portions, which are then removed to separate the objects, using CNC machining equipment controlled by machine-control instruction sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple objects are machined from a single workpiece, then productivity increases, but the complexity of managing temporary support frames and fixating materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workpiece into multiple discrete objects by creating through-openings that separate them, allowing each object to be independently machined while maintaining organizational structure during the process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary support frames and fixating materials as intermediary elements that hold objects in place during machining, enabling multi-object production while managing the complexity through structured positioning systems
2Manufacturing precision
If objects are stabilized during machining using fixating material, then manufacturing precision improves, but the time required for applying and removing fixating material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fixating material to the support frame before placing objects, pre-establishing the positioning structure so that objects can be quickly secured during machining without time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The fixating material is designed to be applied and removed using automated or semi-automated processes that reduce manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself in terms of positioning and securing objects
3Ease of operation
If a central through-opening is used to organize multiple objects, then ease of operation improves, but the volume of material that must be machined away increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the central through-opening as a vertical and horizontal organizing dimension, allowing objects to be arranged in a structured manner that improves accessibility and operation while minimizing unnecessary material removal compared to traditional flat-layout methods
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and software for generating machine-control instructions for controlling subtractive manufacturing equipment to form a plurality of objects from a single workpiece. In some embodiments, the machine-control instructions are for milling equipment that mills the objects from a single body of material by milling material from obverse and reverse sides of the body of material. Milling from the obverse side forms valleys in the obverse side and leaves interconnecting portions that connect together the plurality of objects. A removable fixating material is added to the valleys for holding the objects firmly in place relative to one another for milling from the reverse side. After the removable fixating material has hardened, milling from the reverse side removes the interconnecting portions. Milling operations from the obverse and reverse sides can include operations in addition to the forming of the valleys and removing of the interconnecting portions.