Compact Five-Axis Machine Layout for Precision and Low Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools are bulky, costly, and limited by rigidity and expansion issues, which hinder high-speed precision machining, especially for small parts, due to their large size and mass, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and machining capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact five-axis machine tool design with a reduced precision path and optimized axis configuration, utilizing lightweight yet rigid structures to minimize expansion errors and increase rigidity, allowing for efficient high-speed machining with reduced energy consumption and improved precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the machine tool is made larger and heavier to increase rigidity, then machining precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and the machine becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of machine size from large to small, achieving high precision through a compact five-axis design with a shortened precision path. The reduced mass of moving parts decreases energy consumption while maintaining machining precision through optimized structural rigidity and reduced thermal expansion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional large-scale three-axis machines to a compact five-axis configuration, adding two rotational axes to achieve complex machining capabilities in a smaller footprint. This dimensional enhancement allows the machine to perform multiple operations without requiring large linear travel distances.
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine tool is made larger to increase rigidity, then machining precision is improved, but the machine size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the size parameter by designing a compact machine with a shortened precision path, achieving high precision without requiring large machine dimensions. The five-axis configuration allows complex machining in a compact footprint, reducing both volume and cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the machine tool uses heavy frames to damp vibrations, then machining stability is improved, but the mobile parts gain inertia that limits acceleration speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mass parameter by using a compact design with reduced mobile part mass, achieving high acceleration capabilities. Machining stability is maintained through the rigid five-axis structure and shortened precision path, which reduces vibration and thermal expansion effects despite the lower mass.
4Manufacturing precision
If the precision path is shortened to reduce expansion errors, then machining precision is improved, but the volume of mobile parts and frame must be reduced which may loss rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the precision path length parameter by designing a compact five-axis configuration that minimizes the distance between the tool and workpiece. The reduced precision path decreases thermal expansion errors while the optimized structural design maintains adequate rigidity through efficient load paths and strategic placement of support elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool has at least 5. A tool holder assembly permits a tool holder spindle to be displaced relative to the frame along a first axis of translation and along a second axis of translation perpendicular to the first axis of translation and implementing slides in a plane forming an angle of between +40° and +50° relative to the first axis of translation. A part holder assembly permits a part to be displaced along a third axis of translation perpendicular to the other axes of translation, about a first axis of rotation parallel to the third axis of translation and about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The length of the precision path connecting the part to the tool via the frame and the assemblies of the machine is less than 1600 mm.