Machined Component Separation During In-Machine Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in transporting machined components from a machine tool when a workpiece material is processed into a final shape with excess portions, as it requires additional effort to separate the component from the frame connected by bars, leading to reduced operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first processing step where a workpiece material is machined into a component connected to an unneeded portion via a connecting portion, followed by a second step where the connecting portion is cut to separate the needed and unneeded portions using a tool supported by a transport mechanism, allowing for efficient transport and recovery of the component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the workpiece material is machined into a component while leaving an unneeded portion connected by bars, then the processing time is reduced and tool service life is extended, but the transport efficiency is reduced due to extra effort required for post-processing separation
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is segmented into a needed portion (component) and an unneeded portion (frame) connected by connecting portions (bars). The invention enables automated separation of these segments through programmed robot operations that cut the connecting portions, transforming a single complex workpiece into separable components that can be independently handled and transported.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portions are designed to be cut at predetermined locations during the machining process or immediately thereafter. The robot is programmed with predetermined operation commands to perform the cutting and separation operations automatically, eliminating the need for manual post-processing intervention and enabling seamless integration with the machining workflow.
2Ease of operation
If manual post-processing is performed to cut the connecting bars, then the component can be separated and transported, but the operation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs the separation operation autonomously using predetermined operation commands stored in its control device. The robot automatically positions itself, executes cutting operations on the connecting portions, and transports the separated component without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the post-processing stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations for cutting and separating the connecting bars are replaced with an automated robot system that executes programmed commands. This substitution eliminates human labor in the separation process and integrates it seamlessly with the automated machining operation, maintaining high productivity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for machining a component including: a first processing step of machining a workpiece material into a workpiece in which a needed portion is connected to an unneeded portion via a connecting portion by action of a tool supported by a tool supporting portion on the workpiece material supported by a workpiece material supporting portion in a processing space covered with a cover member; and a second processing step of cutting the connecting portion to separate the needed portion from the unneeded portion by using the tool supported by the tool supporting portion in a state in which a door that divides the processing space is opened for a workpiece material transport mechanism to move into the processing space and at least the needed portion of the workpiece obtained through machining in the first processing step is supported by the workpiece material transport mechanism.