CNC Positioning Movement Calculator Using Virtual Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems face challenges in generating precise and collision-free positioning motions for CNC machine tools, often resulting in unnecessary movements and potential damage to workpieces due to lack of real-time adaptation to machine capabilities and workpiece states.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a virtual model of the machine tool, fixtures, and workpieces to calculate optimal positioning movements, considering kinematic constraints and material removal, thereby avoiding collisions and optimizing toolpaths for CNC machine tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional CAM systems generate positioning motions without real-time adaptation to machine capabilities and workpiece states, then the system complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to potential collisions and unnecessary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of positioning motions using a virtual model before actual execution. The link calculator computes optimal tool paths and positioning movements in advance, considering machine kinematics and workpiece geometry, thereby ensuring precision without real-time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual model (copy) of the machine tool, fixtures, and workpiece is created to simulate and calculate positioning motions. This virtual representation allows precise computation of tool paths and collisions without requiring complex real-time control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the system calculates optimal positioning movements considering material removal and current workpiece state, then manufacturing precision improves, but computation time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates positioning motions in advance before machining operations begin. By pre-computing tool paths and positioning movements based on the initial workpiece geometry and machine capabilities, the system avoids real-time computation during actual machining, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If the system uses a virtual model with kinematic constraints and controller descriptions to ensure collision-free operations, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual model (copy) of the machine tool, fixtures, and workpiece is created to simulate and calculate positioning motions. This virtual representation allows precise computation of tool paths and collisions without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual model acts as an intermediary between the programmer and the actual machine. It translates machining requirements into collision-free positioning motions while considering machine kinematics and controller capabilities, thereby ensuring reliability without directly increasing machine complexity.
4Productivity
If the system reduces unnecessary travel distances of the machine tool, then productivity improves, but manufacturing precision may worsen due to optimized but potentially compromised paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates optimal positioning motions that minimize travel distance while ensuring precision requirements are met. By computing the shortest safe paths in advance using the virtual model, the system achieves both productivity improvement and precision maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for determining a positioning movement of a cutting tool based on a received virtual model, a determined start position and a determined end position, and a set of objects of a machining setup, where the set of objects may represent a current state of the set of objects. Optionally, the determining of the positioning movement may be based on user input parameters.