CNC Lathe Turning with Tool Rotation for Deep Slot Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal cutting methods using CNC lathes face limitations in reducing machining time, tool change downtime, and risk of vibrations during deep slot turning, especially with cutting tools having significant overhang, and are constrained by limited B-angle adjustment and tool interference.

Innovation Solution

A turning method that allows for free selection of the entering angle and rotation of the cutting tool to reduce vibrations and interference, enabling the use of a single cutting tool for various features, including deep pockets, by rotating the cutting tool around its axis during passes and adjusting the tool position to direct tangential cutting forces towards the spindle, thus improving tool life and chip control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single cutting tool is used for multiple features, then tool inventory is reduced, but the risk of tool interference and vibrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool versatilityVSAvoidtool stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is designed with rotational capability around its axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cutting portion orientation during machining operations. This enables the same tool to adapt to different feature geometries (slots, grooves, pockets) while maintaining optimal cutting conditions and avoiding interference with the workpiece

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the orientation parameter of the cutting tool by rotating it around its axis between passes. This parameter change allows the cutting portion to be positioned at different angles relative to the workpiece, enabling machining of various features with a single tool while avoiding interference and vibrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional longitudinal turning with multiple passes is used, then machining completeness is achieved, but machining time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining speedVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The method employs periodic rotation of the cutting tool around its axis between alternating passes. This periodic action allows the cutting portion to engage different sides of the workpiece feature, enabling complete machining in fewer passes compared to conventional longitudinal turning, thereby reducing total machining time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the tool longitudinally for all passes, the method inverts the approach by rotating the tool around its axis and making alternating passes from different orientations. This inversion allows more material to be removed per pass, reducing the number of passes required and overall machining time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Length of moving object

If cutting tools with great overhang are used for deep slot turning, then deep features can be accessed, but vibrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool overhangVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is rotated around its axis to position the cutting portion optimally for each pass, allowing deep features to be accessed while maintaining better stiffness and reducing overhang effects. This dynamic repositioning minimizes vibrations compared to fixed-orientation long-overhang tool configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If B-axis adjustment is limited by geometrical factors, then tool interference is avoided, but machining flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoidmachining flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool rotates around its axis dynamically during the machining process, providing continuous adjustment capability rather than fixed B-axis positions. This enables the cutting portion to be oriented at any angle relative to the workpiece, achieving both interference avoidance and maximum machining flexibility for various feature geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3536425B1Turning method for a CNC-lathe
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SANDVIK COROMANT
  • EP3536425B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3536425B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3536425B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A turning method for a computerized numerical control lathe comprising the steps of: providing a cutting tool (1) comprising a coupling portion (4), an intermediate portion (5) and a cutting portion (2), a longitudinal center axis of the coupling portion (4) defining a tool rotational axis (R1), the cutting portion (2) comprising a top surface (7), the top surface (7) facing away from the coupling portion (4), the cutting portion (2) comprising a first nose portion (10), the first nose portion (10) comprising a first cutting edge (11), a second cutting edge (12), and a convex nose cutting edge (13) connecting the first and second cutting edges (11, 12); providing a metal work piece (31); rotating the metal work piece (31) around a work piece rotational axis (R2); setting the tool rotational axis (R1) perpendicular to the work piece rotational axis (R2); making a first pass (36) such that the first cutting edge (11) is active and such that the second cutting edge (12) is inactive; making a second pass (37) such that the first cutting edge (11) is inactive and such that the second cutting edge (12) is active, where the second pass (37) is opposite to the first pass (36); and rotating the turning tool (1) around the tool rotational axis (R1).