Conical Coupling Gripping for SLM Part Re-machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The re-machining of semi-finished products obtained by selective laser melting is currently unreliable and complex, requiring long preparation times and often resulting in unsatisfactory surface quality and dimensional accuracy due to deformation and mechanical stresses caused by traditional threaded couplings.
Innovation Solution
A re-machining process and gripping equipment that utilize conical coupling means and threaded fixing members to securely attach the semi-finished product to a gripping equipment, minimizing deformations and stresses, allowing for precise and reliable processing by ensuring optimal centring and fixing, and enabling machining of both sides without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional threaded couplings are used to fix the semi-finished product to the gripping equipment, then the product can be securely held for machining, but deformation and mechanical stresses occur in the semi-finished product
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional elements: centring arms with conical coupling means for precise positioning, and fixing arms with threaded members for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without causing deformation to the semi-finished product.
Solution Approach 2:
Conical coupling means act as an intermediary between the semi-finished product and the gripping equipment, providing a transition that distributes mechanical stresses and prevents direct transmission of fixing forces to the delicate semi-finished product structure.
2Strength
If threaded members are used to fix the semi-finished product, then secure attachment is achieved, but coupling errors are caused by dimensional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
Centring arms with conical coupling means perform preliminary positioning and centring of the semi-finished product before the threaded fixing members are engaged. This preliminary action establishes accurate alignment that compensates for dimensional tolerances in the threaded connection.
3Measurement precision
If complex fixing mechanisms are used to ensure precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the re-machining process becomes more complex and requires longer preparation times
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (centring, positioning, and fixing) are merged into an integrated gripping equipment structure where centring arms and fixing arms work together as a coordinated system, simplifying the overall process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical coupling means automatically self-centre the semi-finished product during attachment, eliminating the need for complex external centring mechanisms and reducing preparation time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables quick and reliable re-machining with high precision and accuracy, improving surface quality and dimensional accuracy while reducing mechanical stresses and deformation, allowing for efficient processing of complex shapes.
Implementation Method 1
conical coupling means and threaded fixing members to securely attach the semi-finished product to a gripping equipment
Implementation Method 2
threaded fixing members to securely attach the semi-finished product to a gripping equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A re-machining process of a semi-finished product (100) obtained by means of selective laser melting provides preparing, during the selective laser melting, a plurality of centring arms (103a), each comprising a first portion (4a) of conical coupling means, and a plurality of fixing arms (103b), each comprising a fixing eyelet (104). The process also further provides making a gripping equipment (1) provided with a plurality of second portions (4b) of the conical coupling means and a plurality of fixing holes (3). The semi-finished product (100) is associated with the gripping equipment (1), coupling at least a first portion (4a) of the conical coupling means of the semi-finished product (100) with a respective second portion (4b) of the conical coupling means of the gripping equipment (1) and superimposing at least one fixing eyelet (104) to a respective fixing hole (3). A threaded fixing member is introduced into a cylindrical seat (105) of the fixing eyelet (104) and screwed into the fixing hole (3) before re-machining the semi-finished product (100) on a removal machine comprising the gripping equipment (1).